Ukraine seeks domestic missile production and glide bomb kits to bridge defense gaps

Ukraine is pursuing domestic defense initiatives to address critical vulnerabilities to Russian ballistic missile strikes and reduce reliance on Western military supplies. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two Ukrainian companies are developing native ballistic missiles, although technological hurdles continue to delay mass production. Additionally, American licensing procedures and administrative delays mean local production of Patriot air defense systems will take between 12 months and several years to establish.

To manage immediate defense shortfalls, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are procuring the "Equalizer" precision glide bomb module. Developed by DG Industry through the Brave1 initiative, the wing and guidance kit converts standard unguided bombs into long-range precision munitions. The system is designed for operational deployment on Soviet-built MiG-29, Su-24, and Su-27 fighters, with planned integration for Western F-16 and Mirage aircraft.

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