Nine European nations and Ukraine form coalition to build integrated ballistic missile shield

Nine European countries and Ukraine announced the formation of a new coalition in Paris on Monday to develop a shared, integrated ballistic missile defence capability for the continent. The declaration, signed on the sidelines of a 'Coalition of the Willing' summit convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, frames the initiative as a purely defensive response to what it describes as the growing threat from ballistic missiles.

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

The member states are Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. At least 25 heads of state and government were expected at the gathering in the Hôtel des Invalides, with some staying on for France's Bastille Day military parade on 14 July, which this year highlights support for Kyiv.

A platform for Ukraine's emerging systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used the summit to present what he called the Freya Project, a ballistic missile interceptor developed by the Ukrainian firm Firepoint. The company, also known for its Flamingo cruise missiles, has showcased the FP-7.x interceptor on social media.

Europe needs more missile defence. Together we can build such a system. Ukraine is ready to contribute its part: the anti-aircraft missile. We are in the process of completing it.

Zelensky stressed that partner states could supply radars and other critical components, with European defence firms including MBDA, Hensoldt, Diehl Defence, Eurosam, Leonardo, Thales and Saab taking part in the industrial discussions. The coalition aims to complement existing systems, such as the Franco-Italian SAMP-T and the American-made Patriot batteries already deployed in Europe, rather than replace them.

Lessons from recent Russian strikes

The urgency of the new coalition was underscored by the scale and deadliness of recent Russian attacks. The joint statement pointed to Ukraine's unique operational experience, gained while repelling a full-scale invasion now in its fifth year.

On 6 July, Ukrainian air defences failed to intercept any of the 23 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and six Zircon and Onyx supersonic missiles launched by Russia, according to a report citing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who acknowledged a shortage of interceptors. The UN has noted that Russian ballistic missile strikes have killed hundreds of Ukrainian civilians in recent weeks, the highest toll since the war began.

Multinational force exercises and industrial push

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten confirmed after the Paris meeting that the Netherlands will participate in multinational military exercises in countries bordering Ukraine and on EU territory. The drills, led by France and the United Kingdom, are designed to prepare troops for a future multinational force that would deploy to Ukraine once a hoped-for ceasefire with Russia is reached.

As long as Putin continues, we, the Coalition of the Willing, are stepping up our support. The more we act together, the greater the pressure on Russia to finally come to the negotiating table seriously.

Macron separately announced that France will permit Ukraine to produce French cruise missiles, precision bombs and interceptors, following Kyiv's order of the next-generation Franco-Italian air defence systems and 16 Rafale fighter jets, which could be operational in Ukrainian airspace from 2028.

Broader European security financing

The initiative was announced alongside an agreement for the UK to join the EU's 90 billion euro support loan for Ukraine, allowing British defence firms to supply more weapons financed by the fund. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the arrangement as one that supports Ukraine while backing domestic defence companies and skilled jobs.

No specific timeline was given for the anti-ballistic programme, but the coalition statement said that by combining defence industrial bases, research and operational experience, the ten nations aim to build a shared capacity that deters and defeats future missile threats. Czechia is not among the participants.