Nine European countries and Ukraine form anti-ballistic missile coalition: statement

In a significant move to bolster European security, nine European countries and Ukraine have announced the formation of a coalition dedicated to developing integrated anti-ballistic missile capabilities. The joint declaration emphasizes the need for a "purely defensive" missile defense architecture to deter and counter future missile threats.

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We believe that the protection of Europe, requires a global solution of integrated missile defence architecture to deter and defeat future missile threats.

The alliance, comprising Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, was formalized during a meeting in Paris. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the gathering, underscoring Ukraine's central role and the urgency of the initiative. The declaration highlighted that the coalition's efforts are "not against any people, but in defence of our own."

A key impetus for this collaboration is Ukraine's "unique experience" in defending against repeated Russian ballistic missile strikes. This firsthand knowledge is seen as invaluable for building a shared European capacity. By pooling their defense industrial bases, research capabilities, and operational expertise, the member nations aim to construct a robust and integrated missile defense system.

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By bringing together our defence industrial base, our research, and our operational experience, we aim to build a shared anti-ballistic missile capacity for Europe.

The formation of the coalition comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year. The announcement was made ahead of France's Bastille Day celebrations, which this year will prominently feature support for Ukraine, with at least 25 heads of state expected to attend related events in Paris.

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We do this not against any people, but in defence of our own, citing the "unique experience of Ukraine" whose air defences have faced repeated Russian ballistic missile strikes in recent weeks.