Ukraine and Germany build joint missile shield against Russia's ballistic threat
Patriot air defense system (Photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine and Germany are developing a joint air defense system to protect the entire European continent. The project will enable the interception of ballistic missiles, a capability currently scarce among European countries, according to an interview with Ukraine's Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev.
Currently, Europe does not have its own defense of this class. Countries are forced to buy foreign technologies. These are either the Israeli Arrow system or the American Patriot complexes. A purely European product to counter ballistic threats does not yet exist.
Therefore, the goal of the partnership is to create a capability that will protect not only Ukrainian skies but also the entire European Union.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksii Makeiev explained the motivation of the partners: "But why is this Ukrainian proposal supported by Germany? Because we say: we are doing this not only for Ukraine – we are doing it for all of Europe."
The creation of an anti-ballistic system is a complex project that requires the combined efforts of many defense industry giants. The project involves leaders of the German market.
The diplomat listed the key participants:
- The company Hensoldt will provide advanced radars;
- MBDA will be responsible for the development and production of missiles;
- Diehl Defense will supply the system with homing heads.
A separate issue remains the name of the future system. Earlier, the media mentioned the name FREYA. However, Makeiev is keeping details secret for now. According to him, the name and the full list of participants will become known later.
Patriot air defense for Ukraine
In addition to creating a new system, Ukraine and Germany are discussing the production of Patriot. The technology belongs to the US, but the German company MBDA holds the appropriate license, which enables technology transfer.
The parties have already reached certain agreements. The discussion concerns the supply of a large number of missiles and the potential joint construction of production lines.
Oleksii Makeiev added, "We are talking about the possibility of production under American technology and technology transfer. The same German company, MBDA, has the appropriate license for production. That is why we, together with the German side, reached agreements on the supply of a significant number of these missiles during intergovernmental consultations, as well as possible joint production."
Where exactly production will be deployed is not currently disclosed. The diplomat believes it is too early to talk about specific locations.
Context of the news
Ukraine lacks air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles to protect itself from Russian aggression. Ukraine is currently urgently requesting missiles for Patriot from 40 countries. Missiles are being requested in exchange for future supplies already contracted for Ukraine.
Earlier, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported a critical shortage of missiles for Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T air defense systems. In some units, ammunition stocks are almost completely depleted.
