The countries also backed a Flagship Project to accelerate the development of an anti-ballistic capability. The declaration frames the effort as a collective response to the increasing importance of missile defence for the security of the European continent.
The coalition is intended to support an integrated missile defence architecture able to deter and defeat future missile threats. The declaration says such a system should be developed through collective effort, technological openness and trusted industrial cooperation.
The new framework is designed to complement existing ballistic missile defence systems, including sovereign European solutions already acquired or planned by participating countries. By combining defence industry, research capacity and operational experience, the participants aim to build a shared anti-ballistic missile capability for Europe and support related activities.
“We do this not against any people, but in defence of our own,” the declaration said. The statement also acknowledged Ukraine’s “unique experience” gained in defence against Russia’s war of aggression.
The participating countries aim to establish common operational requirements, joint technical working groups, governance mechanisms and a roadmap towards the coalition’s first operational capabilities. The declaration says this work will proceed in line with each country’s constitutional arrangements and international obligations.
The countries will also seek to support joint research and development under the Flagship Project. This could include exploring appropriate funding opportunities and promoting stronger data and information exchange.
The founding members of the coalition are Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The declaration says the coalition remains open to other nations that share its principles and objectives.
