German defence company Hensoldt signed a strategic partnership on Tuesday with Ukrainian weapons manufacturer Fire Point at the Eurosatory defence trade fair in Paris, aimed at strengthening Ukraine's air defences.
Under the agreement, Hensoldt said it would be responsible for the production, testing and delivery of radar systems for a ballistic missile defence (BMD) system and would support their integration into the system, according to a press release.
The radars are capable of detecting and tracking up to 1,500 different aerial targets, Hensoldt said.
Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than four years. Russian forces regularly strike the neighbouring country's hinterland with drones and missiles.
While Ukraine's drone defences are already operating effectively, Russian missiles continue to cause significant damage.
Western-supplied systems such as the US Patriot or the German IRIS-T are insufficient to provide comprehensive nationwide protection. The missiles for these systems are also expensive, which is why Kiev is pursuing its own developments and partnerships with Western defence companies.
The German radars are to be integrated into the Freya air-defence system developed by Fire Point.
"Now we can move from concept to the practical realization of a pan-European shield against ballistic missiles," Fire Point chief executive Iryna Terekh said of the planned partnership, according to Ukrainian media.
No details were initially given on the number of radars or the value of potential deliveries.
Fire Point has made a name for itself since the start of the war in Ukraine through the development of drones and missiles.
Hensoldt, based in Taufkirchen near Munich, specializes in the construction of radar and optical systems. The company develops sensors, electronics and software for land, naval, air and space forces, as well as for defence against cyberattacks.
Last year, the listed company reported revenue of €2.46 billion ($2.85 billion), according to its own figures.
