Ukraine, Netherlands Race to Build Europe’s First US-Free Missile Killer

Ukraine and the Netherlands are jointly developing a missile defense system that Europe can deploy without US approval, as the continent moves to reduce its reliance on American military technology. The project focuses on intercepting incoming ballistic missiles mid-flight—the optimal moment to destroy them. Ukraine’s involvement signals growing European efforts to build independent defense capabilities amid shifting transatlantic relations. Whether Ukraine can afford such a system remains an open question.