Image: from Ukrinform-EN X @Ukrinform_News
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
European leaders and Ukraine have announced the creation of a new Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, marking a significant step toward building a coordinated missile defense architecture designed to protect the continent from growing ballistic missile threats.
The initiative was unveiled during a high-level meeting involving the leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The coalition is intended to enhance Europe’s collective defensive capabilities through closer cooperation in technology, research, and defense industry development.
🇫🇷🇺🇦 Zelensky: As always, we are closely coordinating our positions with Emmanuel.
A productive meeting – we discussed priorities before the meeting of the Anti-Ballistic Coalition and the Coalition of the Willing, as well as bilateral cooperation.
It is important to… pic.twitter.com/BIvMytp8n9
— MAKS 26 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) July 13, 2026
A Common Defensive Shield
According to the joint declaration, the coalition is purely defensive and seeks to establish an integrated missile defense architecture capable of deterring and countering future ballistic missile threats.
Participating nations pledged to combine their industrial expertise, research capabilities, and operational experience to accelerate the development of advanced anti-ballistic missile technologies. Officials emphasized that the project will complement existing national and European missile defense systems rather than replace them.
Ukraine’s Experience at the Center
Ukraine’s experience defending against sustained Russian missile attacks is expected to play a central role in shaping the coalition’s future capabilities.
Leaders acknowledged that years of combat operations have provided Ukraine with valuable operational knowledge that can contribute to the development of next-generation missile defense systems for Europe.
The initiative also aims to strengthen cooperation between European defense industries and Ukrainian manufacturers, creating opportunities for joint research, technology sharing and industrial partnerships.
Development of New Capabilities
The coalition’s first flagship project will focus on developing a new anti-ballistic missile capability through shared operational requirements, coordinated research and a common technological roadmap.
Participating governments also intend to improve information sharing, expand defense-related research programs, and explore joint funding mechanisms to accelerate development.
Officials said the coalition will remain open to additional countries that support its objectives and principles, allowing future expansion as European security cooperation evolves.
Strengthening Europe’s Security
The announcement comes as European governments continue to increase defense cooperation in response to evolving security challenges and the continued use of ballistic missiles in the war in Ukraine.
Supporters of the initiative argue that a coordinated European missile defense network would improve deterrence, strengthen NATO-compatible capabilities, and reduce vulnerabilities against long-range missile threats.
The coalition reflects a broader effort among European partners to deepen defense integration while investing in advanced technologies capable of protecting critical infrastructure and civilian populations across the continent.