Germany and Ukraine have agreed on strategic cooperation, including in the defense sector. The document mentions a focus on accelerating the development of a system to defend against ballistic missiles.
No further details have been provided regarding this specific project. However, the statement mentions continued support for the production of Ukrainian drones. It also highlights cooperation in data sharing and the creation of joint research projects.
Read more: Ukraine and Germany Launch Cooperation on Anti-Aircraft Drone Production
At first glance, it might seem that this refers to the Patriot systems, which Germany has also helped Ukraine procure. Hundreds of missiles will be funded as part of this agreement. However, the agreement covers PAC-2 GEM-Ts, which are not designed to counter ballistic missiles.
Germany is likely to assist Ukraine in developing its own missile defense system. This is indicated both by the mention itself and by the fact that it appears in the section on defense industry cooperation between the two countries.
Recently, the Ukrainian company Fire Point announced that it is offering its European partners a joint development program for anti-ballistic missiles. The company claims that such a system could be significantly cheaper than the American Patriot system. The company's FP-7 and FP-9 anti-ballistic missiles resemble the 48N6 missiles used in the S-400 systems.
Currently, the PAC-3 MSE is the most effective anti-ballistic missile system in service with Western countries. However, they are not cheap, and despite an increase in production volumes, output still cannot keep up with demand. Furthermore, relations between the United States and Europe have deteriorated over the past year.
Therefore, introducing another affordable anti-missile system would benefit European countries, including Germany, while also significantly enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Developing such a system requires advanced technologies, some of which may not yet be available in Ukraine's defense industry. Therefore, cooperation with foreign partners who can provide funding and share their expertise is necessary.
Potential partners in Germany include Diehl Defence, manufacturer of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system, which has proven effective in Ukraine, and MBDA Germany, which operates a joint venture producing GEM-T missiles for the Patriot system. Other European companies may also join this effort.
It is worth noting that the current status of such projects is unknown, but they are highly complex. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate the time required for their development. However, the fact that such cooperation is taking place is a positive development.
Read more: UK to Supply 120,000 Drones to Ukraine in Largest-Ever Aid Package
