Ukraine accelerates domestic arms production to counter ballistic missile threat

Following recent Russian ballistic missile strikes, Ukraine is accelerating efforts to bolster its defense industry and address critical air defense shortfalls. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that obtaining licenses to locally manufacture U.S. Patriot systems could take several years due to regulatory hurdles. While two Ukrainian firms are developing indigenous ballistic missiles, technical challenges prevent immediate mass production.

To bridge short-term gaps, Kyiv is procuring the domestically created "Equalizer" glide bomb kit, developed by DG Industry and Brave1. The module converts conventional bombs into precision munitions compatible with Soviet-era and Western aircraft, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

Sources: NEXTA, NV, Point, The Insider, Українська правда