Ukraine advances domestic missile and bomb projects amid Patriot production delays

Ukraine is expanding its domestic defense production to mitigate critical vulnerabilities to Russian ballistic missile attacks while facing delays in securing Western air defense supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that bureaucratic procedures and necessary licensing from the United States could delay local manufacturing of Patriot air defense systems by one to several years.

To bridge this gap, two Ukrainian defense firms are developing indigenous ballistic missiles, although technical hurdles continue to delay mass production. Simultaneously, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are procuring the newly tested "Equalizer" glide bomb kit. Developed by DG Industry alongside the Brave1 technology cluster, the module equips unguided aircraft bombs with wings and guidance systems. Compatible with Soviet-era jets and upcoming Western aircraft, the system aims to enhance long-range strike capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign military aid.

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