Ukraine, Germany to jointly develop anti-ballistic air defense system amid increased attacks

Ukraine and Germany have signed an agreement to jointly develop a new air defense system focused on countering ballistic missiles, according to reporting by Interfax-Ukraine.

The initiative comes as Ukraine continues to face sustained Russian missile strikes, with ballistic systems remaining one of the most difficult threats for existing air defense networks to intercept.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the agreement was signed together with Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format), opening the way for joint work on a next-generation system if industry partners reach final arrangements.

Pistorius said several German defense companies are already interested in participating in the project, which he described as a potential contribution to both European and Ukrainian security.

Push to close gaps in ballistic missile defense

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who also addressed the Ramstein meeting, the agreement brings together Ukrainian and German technological capabilities to address that gap.

Zelenskyy said Russia continues to rely heavily on missile attacks as a central element of its war strategy, and called for stronger “anti-ballistic capabilities” within Ukraine’s air defense architecture, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

Industrial cooperation and coalition framework

The project is expected to involve defense industry cooperation on both sides, with Ukraine contributing its own military technology experience and Germany providing industrial and engineering capacity.

Zelenskyy also urged partner countries to accelerate joint development efforts, saying results should begin to materialize within the year and that stronger anti-ballistic capability is needed not only for Ukraine but for wider European security.

Wider Ramstein discussions continue

The announcement came during the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany, where allied states continue to coordinate military assistance to Ukraine.

Officials said the agreement marks a step toward deeper integration of defense industries and long-term cooperation on missile defense systems.