Leaders from ten European countries have announced the start of a “purely defensive” coalition focused on developing a joint anti-ballistic missile system.
The Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition brings together Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the UK.
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A joint declaration marking the establishment was signed during a summit in Paris on 13 July 2026.
The declaration sets out plans for the coalition to develop common operational requirements and set up joint technical working groups.
The partners also aim to create a “clear governance mechanisms” and a roadmap for achieving initial operational capabilities.
All these plans will be in line with respective constitutional arrangements and international, the joint declaration stated.
In addition, the partners intend to coordinate research and development activities through a Flagship Project, seek funding for these efforts, and promote deeper exchanges of data and information among their respective defence organisations.
Details of the specific missile system to be developed have not been released, though Reuters has reported that the solution under consideration could offer a more affordable alternative to the US-produced Patriot system.
The new coalition comes at a time when European defence leaders see a growing risk from ballistic missile threats, highlighting a need to strengthen the continent’s defence capabilities.
In the joint declaration, the participating leaders stated: “We believe that the protection of Europe requires a global solution of integrated missile defence architecture to deter and defeat future missile threats — developed through collective effort, technological openness, and trusted industrial cooperation.”
The initiative is intended to supplement existing missile defence systems, including national solutions that participating countries have acquired or plan to acquire.
The signatories plan to pool their defence industrial resources, research, and operational experience in order to develop what they described as a “shared antiballistic missile” capability for Europe.
“We do this not against any people, but in defence of our own,” the declaration also stated.
Membership in the coalition remains open to other nations that support its objectives and principles.
The establishment of the coalition follows outcomes of the 36th Nato Summit in Ankara, where Ukraine agreed to expand cooperation with its partners on joint defence production, drone technology initiatives, and defence industry financing.
At the summit, Norway pledged about $306m to procure Patriot missiles via the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) and JUMPSTART mechanisms to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence networks.
