Ukraine’s FREYJA Missile Interceptor Ready as Denmark Delivers Key Radar, Zelenskyy Says

Ukraine has completed development of its interceptor missile and launcher for the European FREYJA anti-ballistic missile defense system, while Denmark has finished the first component supplied by international partners, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a conversation with journalists attended by UNITED24 Media on November 13.

According to Zelenskyy, the latest progress was discussed during his visit to Denmark, where Ukrainian and European officials reviewed the development of the joint missile defense program.

“We received a briefing on the Danish radar. This is the first component from our partners that is ready. And overall, our missile is ready. That’s the main thing,” Zelenskyy said.

The FREYJA program aims to develop a European-made system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, offering a potential alternative to the US-made Patriot air defense system.

Ukraine is responsible for developing the interceptor missile and launching equipment, while European partners are contributing radar, detection, and other technologies necessary to create a fully operational defense system.

“The launcher and the missile are what Ukraine produces. The remaining components depend on our partners,” Zelenskyy stated.

The president previously announced that 11 countries had joined the FREYJA initiative, with preparations completed to establish a coordination office in Copenhagen in cooperation with Norway.

The program was formally presented in Paris in July 2026 as part of a broader European effort to develop independent ballistic missile defense capabilities. During his November 11 visit to Denmark, Zelenskyy also expressed hope that initial testing of the new system could begin this winter.

Despite progress on the Ukrainian missile and the Danish radar component, the complete FREYJA system has not yet entered operational service and still requires the integration and testing of additional technologies supplied by participating countries.

As previously reported, 11 countries have joined the initiative, which aims to provide Europe with a more affordable alternative to US-made Patriot systems. Ukraine is also preparing to open a FREYJA coordination office in Copenhagen alongside its Norwegian partners.

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