Zelenskyy reveals new air defense solutions: SAMP/T, Freyja and Ukraine's own ballistic missiles
Photo: SAMP/T in operation (Eurosam)
Ukraine is negotiating ways to strengthen its air and ballistic missile defenses, from French SAMP/T systems and the FREYJA project to a deal with Germany for PAC-2 missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists.
SAMP/T, PAC-2 and the FREYJA project
According to Zelenskyy, following an almost two-hour conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, the sides discussed a number of issues, from negotiations to the SAMP/T system.
Ukraine expects new air defense radars from France this fall, as well as one SAMP/T system. Another could be supplied depending on production capacity.
The main problem with SAMP/T is a shortage of Aster 30 missiles, similar to the situation with Patriot systems. Under the existing contract, Ukraine will be able to pay for them using a European loan, while contracts for the production of additional missiles are expected to be signed in September.
In addition, Zelenskyy expects Ukraine to receive licenses by the end of the year to manufacture three types of French weapons domestically. Regarding Patriot systems, the president said he had reached an agreement with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on 600 PAC-2 missiles for 2027–2028, as well as on parallel talks with the US, which is significantly increasing production in the second half of 2027.
As for the European FREYJA project, it has moved from political support by leaders to technical work between companies.
Another area is cooperation with Raytheon on developing a Ukrainian missile for Patriot systems. The company selected Fire Point as its partner, the first technical meeting has already taken place, and a response is expected in the coming weeks.
Zelenskyy also recalled that Russia and China are building their own Starlink alternative and plan to complete the project by December 2026. Ukraine is therefore developing a corresponding project with a European country and has already begun testing it.
Developing Ukraine's own ballistic weapons
Zelenskyy said two Ukrainian companies are working on domestic ballistic weapons, but mass production has not yet begun.
According to him, the companies are facing certain technical difficulties but are working to resolve them. The president stressed that once mass production is launched, Ukraine will be able to deliver painful strikes in response to Russian terror.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported that Zelenskyy had announced Ukrainian ballistic weapons and a missile defense system for 2026–2027. It was also reported that Patriot missiles are available worldwide, and Zelenskyy called on partners to make the political decision to transfer them to Ukraine.
