Ukraine will conduct the first tests of Freyja, a new missile defense system being developed jointly with European countries, this coming winter, according to Vladimir Zelensky.

Zelensky announced that the upcoming trials would mark the first tests of what he described as a European missile defense system. He also said Ukraine and the European Union intend to expand cooperation in the defense industry. However, he acknowledged that Kiev cannot complete the Freyja project independently and will need support from Western partners.

Development of Freyja began in July 2026, bringing together Ukraine and nine EU member states. The system is designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, including Russia’s Iskander-M.

Ukrainian company Fire Point is responsible for developing the FP-7.X interceptor missile and its launchers, while several European defense manufacturers are also involved in the project. Coordination between the system’s components is expected to rely on NATO’s Link-16 and ASTERIX protocols.

According to analysts, Freyja is intended to reduce Europe’s dependence on the United States for missile defense capabilities while helping European countries expand their limited stockpiles of interceptor missiles.