Zelenskyy Revealed the First Details of the Iron Dome That Will Protect Ukraine and Europe
In the coming weeks, Ukraine plans to form an anti-ballistic missile coalition involving up to seven countries. Its goal is to develop its own European missile interception system, Freyja, which is intended to serve as an alternative to the American PAC-3 missiles used by the Patriot system.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s current stockpile of interceptor missiles is insufficient, as Russia is launching more ballistic missiles than Ukraine’s air defense forces can destroy.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine continues to receive assistance from partners, particularly through the PURL program, but this is still not enough to provide full protection against large-scale missile attacks. “The only right option is an alternative to the PAC-3. I think that in the coming weeks we will try to bring together the countries that are currently part of the anti-ballistic coalition,” the president said.
He explained that the coalition could include countries with the manufacturing capabilities to produce individual components of the new system. This refers to the future Freyja system—a European missile defense project being developed under Ukraine’s leadership. “These are countries with manufacturing facilities that produce parts for our future system called Freyja. This is a European anti-ballistic missile system. It will be led by Ukraine and will include up to seven countries. We will build the system and share technology with all participating countries,” Zelenskyy noted.
Earlier, it was reported that the FP-7.x interceptor missile, which is to be used as part of Freyja, has already passed key aerodynamic tests. The Ukrainian company Fire Point is working on its development. Work is also underway on other components of the system. In particular, Fire Point, together with the German company Hensoldt, is working on the integration of TRML-4D radars.
This radar can simultaneously track more than 1,500 targets at a distance of up to 250 kilometers, which is expected to enhance the capabilities of the future system. According to the developers’ plans, Freyja should be ready by the end of 2027. It is viewed as a cheaper alternative to the American Patriot system, and the cost of a single missile is expected to remain below one million dollars.
Developing its own interceptor system should help Ukraine and European countries reduce their dependence on limited stocks of foreign missiles and strengthen their defense against ballistic threats. The head of state discussed this with journalist Ramina Eskhakhzai during the NATO summit in Ankara.
U.S. President Donald Trump, following his meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit, stated that they had established a good relationship. He also expressed confidence that Ukraine has strong potential and a bright future.
