Ukraine, allies launch coalition to counter Russian ballistic missiles

Ukraine and nine European countries have established an air defense coalition to combat Russia's ballistic missile threat, a move announced as Russia escalates attacks amid Ukraine's critical air defense shortages. The "Coalition of the Willing" met in Paris to discuss support for Ukraine and pressure Russia to end the war.

“

We believe that the protection of Europe requires a global solution of integrated missile defence architecture to deter and defeat future missile threats, developed through collective effort, technological openness and trusted industrial cooperation.

The coalition plans to develop a new, cheaper anti-ballistic missile system, intended as an alternative to the United States' Patriot system. This initiative comes as Ukraine faces increased exposure to high-speed Russian ballistic missiles, raising concerns across Europe about potential threats from the east. Ten countries, along with a dozen defense firms, participated in discussions for the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition.

Leaders from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the UK stated in a joint declaration that protecting Europe requires a global, integrated missile defense architecture. They emphasized collective effort, technological openness, and trusted industrial cooperation. The system is designed to complement existing ballistic missile defense systems, including European solutions already acquired or planned by participating nations.

“

It will complement existing ballistic missile defence systems, including sovereign European solutions already acquired, or to be acquired by participating countries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed to allies for more weapons and has pushed for a joint European anti-ballistic air defense system. He believes that enhancing Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian ballistic missiles will increase the chances of Putin returning to the negotiating table, as his "last argument" in the war would cease to function. This announcement follows a NATO summit aimed at demonstrating long-term transatlantic support for Ukraine.

“

The more means Ukraine has to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles, the greater the chance that Putin will come to the negotiating table, as his last argument in this war will no longer work.