Ukraine and Netherlands Begin Work on Joint Air Defence Project Called Bliksem

Defence industries in Ukraine and the Netherlands have started work on a joint air defence project named Bliksem, according to a statement from the Ukrainian president on X, as reported by European Pravda.

The announcement followed a meeting held during the president's visit to the Netherlands. Together with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, the Ukrainian leader met with the heads of Ukrainian and Dutch companies working in defence, energy and software. Teams from both countries were asked to develop a joint air defence project.

"Our teams have been tasked with working out a specific air defence project, Bliksem. We have already started this work," the president wrote. He added that the two countries were raising their cooperation to a level at which standing alongside Ukraine also means achieving "additional positive industrial, technological, and social results."

No details of the Bliksem project were disclosed.

The president said he and the head of the Dutch government had identified key priorities and decisions that could strengthen practical and economic cooperation. In his words, these include defence production, joint technology and energy projects, industrial development and, "very importantly, satellite technologies and air defence."

The initiative comes against the background of new Dutch support announced on 28 October. Prime Minister Jetten said the Netherlands would allocate €500 million in military aid to Ukraine, with a particular focus on strengthening its air defence.

The Dutch government is also setting aside €1.2 billion in non-military assistance for Ukraine over the next three years. That funding is meant to support recovery and reconstruction, and to widen opportunities for Dutch businesses.

In addition, it was reported that the Netherlands will contribute €10 million to the Industrial Ramstein initiative for Ukraine.