Ukraine to deploy FREYJA anti-ballistic system by end of 2026, Zelensky says

Ukraine expects to launch the European anti-ballistic missile system FREYJA by the end of 2026, with France having already provided all necessary production licenses, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky stated that France has fulfilled its promise on licenses, and now the focus is on rapid implementation by relevant teams. He also said new aid packages for Ukrainian aviation are expected this month, as the two leaders discussed countering Russian escalation. The FREYJA system will use the FP-7.x interceptor missile, developed by Ukrainian company Fire Point with European components. It has a maximum speed of 2200 m/s and interception altitude of 20-25 km, though kinetic hit-to-kill capability remains undetermined.