Ukraine develops domestic weaponry amid Patriot air defense delays
Ukraine is pursuing domestic ballistic missile production and procuring new glide bomb kits to counter Russian attacks amid delays in acquiring U.S. Patriot licensing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that two domestic defense companies are working to manufacture ballistic missiles, though technical hurdles remain before mass production can begin. The initiative follows delays in obtaining U.S. licensing, which could postpone local production of Patriot air defense systems by up to several years and leave Ukraine vulnerable to Russian ballistic attacks.
To address urgent capability gaps and decrease reliance on foreign military aid, Ukraine's armed forces are procuring the newly tested "Equalizer" glide bomb kit. Developed by DG Industry and the Brave1 tech incubator, the module converts standard unguided bombs into precision munitions compatible with Soviet-era fighters, with future plans to equip F-16 and Mirage aircraft.
Sources: NEXTA, NV, Point, The Insider, Українська правда
Sources
- NV — Швидке рішення. Як Україні компенсувати нестачу ракет Patriot
- Point — Зеленский: Развертывание производства Patriot Украиной займет до нескольких лет
- NEXTA — Украинская бомба «Equalizer» нацелена на снижение зависимости от оружия США и Европы
- Українська правда — Patriot не вистачить. Як Україні пережити кілька років балістичної вразливості
- The Insider — Ракетонезависимость. Как Украина создает баллистику для ударов по российскому тылу и собственную альтернативу Patriot
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