Ukraine pursues domestic missiles and glide bombs amid delays in Patriot production

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that manufacturing U.S.-designed Patriot air defense systems under license could take between one and several years due to regulatory delays and licensing requirements. In response to recent Russian ballistic missile strikes against critical infrastructure, Ukrainian defense developers are advancing alternative options to reduce dependence on Western arms supplies.

Two domestic firms are currently working on ballistic missile projects, though technical constraints delay near-term mass output. Simultaneously, defense tech incubator Brave1 supported DG Industry in finishing testing for the "Equalizer" guidance kit. The system converts conventional aerial bombs into long-range precision munitions compatible with Soviet-era aircraft and future Western jets. Analysts emphasize that expanding local arms manufacturing is vital to addressing interceptor shortages during this period of defense vulnerability.

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