Ukraine and nine European countries have announced the formation of an Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition
Ukraine, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and six other European countries have announced the formation of an integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition. A joint declaration to this effect was issued by the Élysée Palace following the first meeting, which took place in Paris.
The founding members of the coalition include Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
The declaration states that the new structure will be exclusively defensive in nature. Its activities will be aimed at developing an integrated missile defence system to deter and neutralise future ballistic threats to Europe.
The participating countries plan to pool their industrial capabilities, scientific research and operational experience to build joint capabilities in the field of missile defence. Support for relevant research and industrial projects is also envisaged.
The document specifically highlights Ukraine’s unique experience, ‘gained whilst defending itself against the aggressive war waged by Russia’.
France, Ukraine, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands were represented at the meeting of heads of state and government. The European Union was represented by the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, whilst NATO was represented by Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
European and Ukrainian defence companies operating in the field of air and missile defence also joined the discussion. These included MBDA, Thales, Safran, Leonardo, Saab, Diehl Defence, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Hensoldt, Eurosam, as well as the Ukrainian companies Destinus and Fire Point.
The coalition’s members agreed to develop joint operational requirements, set up technical working groups and project management mechanisms, and draw up a roadmap leading to the first operational capabilities of the new system. It is noted that the coalition remains open to other states that share its principles and objectives.
