Zelenskyy: United Kingdom and France unblock production of SCALP missiles for Ukraine
Zelenskyy said the United Kingdom and France confirmed removal of restrictions on SCALP missiles; Kyiv expects a FREYJA schedule within 7–10 days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United Kingdom and France have lifted restrictions that had stood in the way of Kyiv producing long‑range SCALP missiles domestically, describing the move as a strong, positive step while not giving a timetable for when local manufacture would begin.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Estonian President Alar Karis, Zelenskyy said both partners had issued confirmations that licences and export blocks were removed and that Ukraine will proceed with production plans.
Plans alongside a European defence consortium
“We have received confirmation from the United Kingdom regarding the production of long‑range ‘SCALP’ missiles. Prior to that, we spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, who confirmed that ‘SCALP’ and the licences have been unblocked. We will act,” Zelenskyy said.
He also said Ukraine expects to receive a schedule for the FREYJA project — a European‑Ukrainian programme to develop an integrated anti‑ballistic defence system — within seven to ten days. “The timetable should include upcoming meetings, the main obstacles and the companies or countries involved in resolving them,” he added.
Launched in July by the Coalition for Integrated Air and Missile Defence, FREYJA brings together ten countries: Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Denmark. Kyiv plans to develop the interceptor missile and launcher while European partners supply radars, sensors and other key components; Ukraine has said it aims to have a prototype of the system by mid‑2027.
Zelenskyy also announced that Norway confirmed financial support of €7.71 billion for Ukraine for 2027 and could assist with funding an office dedicated to the FREYJA project. He warned that Ukraine faces a defence budget shortfall of €23.15 billion and will need roughly €8.57 billion to ensure weapons availability by the beginning of 2027.
Photo: press material from the event
