Ukraine pursues domestic missiles and glide bombs amid air defense delays

Ukraine is accelerating efforts to develop indigenous defense capabilities as it faces severe ballistic missile vulnerabilities from continued Russian attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that two domestic firms are working on indigenous ballistic missiles and seeking U.S. licenses for local Patriot air defense manufacturing, though bureaucracy could delay production for several years.

To address immediate capability gaps and offset shortages of Western interceptors, Ukraine has begun procuring 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 and Western aircraft. The initiative aims to maintain standoff strike capacity while Ukraine navigates long-term air defense production challenges.

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