PARIS, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Nine European countries and Ukraine on Monday established an anti-ballistic missile coalition to strengthen Europe's capabilities against ballistic missile threats.

According to a joint declaration released by the French presidency, the leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Britain and Ukraine announced the creation of the "purely defensive" Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, citing the growing threat posed by such weapons and the increasing importance of defense capabilities for Europe's security.

The declaration said protecting Europe requires an integrated missile defense architecture to deter and counter future missile threats.

The announcement came as French President Emmanuel Macron hosted leaders of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on Monday to discuss strengthening military support for Ukraine, particularly in air defense.