Ukraine and European allies form joint missile defense coalition

Ukraine and nine Coalition of the Willing allies announced plans on Monday to establish a joint anti-ballistic missile coalition aimed at bolstering the continent's defense capabilities against future threats, according to a joint declaration issued in London. The initiative brings together Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Ukraine to develop an integrated missile defense architecture.

Integrated defense architecture

The leaders emphasized that the coalition would be "purely defensive" and designed to protect Europe from growing missile risks through cooperation in technology, research and defense industries. "We believe that the protection of Europe requires a global solution of integrated missile defense architecture to deter and defeat future missile threats," they said, adding that the project would complement existing national capabilities already in place across participating states.

Ukraine's battlefield experience

The declaration highlighted Ukraine's unique experience in defending against Russia's invasion, stating its knowledge would contribute to the initiative's development. "We acknowledge the unique experience of Ukraine, gained in defense against Russia's war of aggression," the leaders said, noting that the coalition would explore opportunities for joint research, development funding and improved sharing of defense-related data.

Open to expansion

The founding members said they would develop common operational requirements and a roadmap toward the coalition's first operational systems through a flagship anti-ballistic missile project. "By bringing together our defense industrial base, our research, and our operational experience, we aim to build a shared antiballistic missile capacity for Europe," they said. The coalition will remain open to other countries that support its principles and objectives.