Ukraine advances domestic missile and glide bomb projects amid Western supply delays

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that two domestic defense firms are developing indigenous ballistic missiles as Kyiv seeks to reduce reliance on Western military aid amidst intensified Russian strikes. However, Zelensky cautioned that scaling up mass production faces significant technological hurdles, while securing U.S. licensing and establishing local Patriot air defense manufacturing could take up to several years due to bureaucratic procedures.

To address immediate air defense and strike gaps, the Ukrainian military is adopting short-term technical solutions. Ukraine has completed testing and begun procurement of the "Equalizer" precision glide bomb kit, developed by DG Industry and Brave1. The system converts standard unguided bombs into long-range precision munitions compatible with Soviet-era fighters and planned Western aircraft, aiming to bolster Kyiv's standoff firepower while long-term missile programs develop.

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