Ukraine and the Netherlands team up on missile defense as Europe plans its own missile killer, free of US approval

Ukraine and the Netherlands are collaborating on a missile defense project called Bliksem, aiming to develop a ballistic missile interceptor. This system would potentially be capable of intercepting incoming missiles while they are still in the upper atmosphere, providing a significant advantage over current defensive capabilities.

The project was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to the Netherlands on October 28th. However, it's important to note that this endeavor won't be quick or inexpensive. In fact, it will draw on the experience of Ukraine against Russian missiles and the expertise of five European companies - Destinus, MBDA, Safran, Airbus, and Thales - who formed the Bliksem EXO consortium this summer.

The aim is to test the interceptor's kill vehicle in space by 2027. If successful, Bliksem could provide Europe with a powerful new missile defense system, free from US approval. This would give Ukraine a much-needed boost in its defense capabilities, currently strained by a lack of American-made Patriot missile interceptors.