Poland joins Ukraine-led anti-ballistic missile coalition to develop Freyja defense system

Poland has officially joined a Ukraine-led anti-ballistic missile coalition to develop the Freyja defense system, a cheaper alternative to the U.S. Patriot system. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the decision on September 18, 2026, during the first Carpathian Summit in western Ukraine. The Freyja system, built around Ukraine's FP-7.x interceptor missile, involves companies from 10 countries. Tusk also announced a significant new aid package for Ukraine, reinforcing Warsaw's commitment to Kyiv.

Poland joins anti-ballistic coalition

• ▪Poland previously debated joining the Freyja anti-ballistic missile coalition, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk stating in July 2026 that participation depended on Polish defense companies offering suitable production capabilities
• ▪Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed on the specific forms and frameworks of cooperation for Poland's participation in the Freyja anti-ballistic missile coalition
• ▪Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on September 18, 2026, that Poland has joined an anti-ballistic missile coalition with Ukraine and other allied nations.

Freyja missile defense system development

• ▪The Freyja project is a joint European anti-ballistic system initiated by Ukraine that is built around the Ukrainian FP-7.x interceptor missile developed by Fire Point.
• ▪The Freyja missile defense system is being developed by companies from 10 countries, including Fire Point, Kongsberg, Weibel, Saab, Diehl Defence, Hensoldt, Thales, Safran, Sener, and Leonardo.
• ▪Fire Point CEO and Technical Director Iryna Terekh stated that development of the Freyja system has reached the stage of technical integration, with testing occurring up to twice a week.
• ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Canada is ready to contribute its technologies to the Freyja anti-ballistic program

Carpathian Summit regional cooperation

• ▪The first Carpathian Summit in western Ukraine focused on regional security, energy, logistics, cross-border economic ties, and support for local communities amid Russian threats to transport routes
• ▪Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Poland's entry into the anti-ballistic missile coalition during the first Carpathian Summit held in western Ukraine on September 18, 2026.
• ▪The first Carpathian Summit in western Ukraine brought together representatives from Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and the European Union.

Poland aid package to Ukraine

• ▪Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met bilaterally with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the first Carpathian Summit in western Ukraine and thanked Poland for the new aid package Tusk announced for Ukraine
• ▪Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on September 18, 2026, that Poland has prepared a new, significant donation and aid package for Ukraine.

European air defense capabilities

• ▪The Freyja joint European anti-ballistic system is designed to protect European airspace and intercept Russian ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones
• ▪The Freyja anti-ballistic missile coalition, originally announced in July 2026 by Ukraine and nine European countries, aims to develop a cheaper alternative to the United States Patriot system