Ukraine pursues indigenous missiles and glide bombs amid air defense shortfalls

Ukraine is accelerating efforts to strengthen its domestic arms manufacturing amid escalating Russian ballistic missile strikes and persistent delays in Western defense deliveries. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that two local defense firms are currently developing indigenous ballistic missiles, though technical challenges hamper rapid mass production. Additionally, establishing domestic manufacturing of Patriot air defense systems under American licensing will require between one and several years due to regulatory processes.

To address immediate operational shortfalls, Ukraine's armed forces are procuring the domestically produced "Equalizer" precision-guided glide bomb kit. Developed by DG Industry with the Brave1 innovation initiative, the module adapts unguided bombs for Soviet-era and Western aircraft. However, defense analysts caution that tactical adaptations cannot fully replace high-altitude interceptors needed to defend critical infrastructure against ballistic threats.

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