Ukraine pursues domestic missiles to bridge air defense gaps

Ukraine is taking measures to address critical air defense vulnerabilities as bureaucratic delays postpone U.S. licensing for local Patriot missile manufacturing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that establishing domestic Patriot production lines could require between 12 months and several years.

To bridge this period of ballistic vulnerability, two Ukrainian defense companies are developing domestic ballistic missiles, although technical challenges remain before mass production can begin. Additionally, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are procuring the newly tested "Equalizer" glide bomb system. Developed by DG Industry with the Brave1 defense technology cluster, the wing and guidance kit converts unguided aerial bombs into precision long-range munitions compatible with both Soviet-era fighters and Western aircraft like F-16s, aiming to decrease reliance on foreign military supplies.

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