Ukraine expands domestic arms development to counter ballistic threats

Following severe Russian ballistic missile strikes, Ukraine is accelerating efforts to strengthen its defense industry and decrease dependency on Western allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that two domestic firms are developing native ballistic missiles, though technical challenges delay immediate mass production. Additionally, obtaining licenses to manufacture U.S. Patriot air defense systems locally could require up to several years due to bureaucratic hurdles.

To bridge short-term defensive gaps, Kyiv is procuring the locally developed "Equalizer" glide bomb kit. Created by DG Industry and the Brave1 incubator, the module converts conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions compatible with Soviet-built and Western aircraft. Ukrainian military planners emphasize that expanding domestic production remains critical to addressing persistent air defense shortfalls.

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