Ukraine pursues domestic missiles and glide bombs amid air defense shortages

Ukraine is accelerating efforts to manufacture domestic weaponry as it faces severe air defense shortages against ongoing Russian missile strikes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that two local companies are developing indigenous ballistic missiles, though mass production remains hindered by technical obstacles. Additionally, establishing licensed local production of American Patriot air defense systems could take from 12 months to several years due to US licensing and bureaucratic delays.

To mitigate reliance on Western military aid and bolster strike capabilities, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are acquiring the domestically produced "Equalizer" glide bomb kit. Developed by DG Industry through the Brave1 initiative, the guidance and wing system converts unguided aerial bombs into precision munitions compatible with Soviet-era and modern jets. Analysts caution, however, that tactical innovations cannot fully resolve Ukraine's vulnerability to high-altitude ballistic missiles in the near term.

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