Ukraine speeds up domestic weapon production amid air defense shortages

Ukraine is expanding its domestic military manufacturing to address air defense shortages and reduce reliance on Western suppliers amid ongoing Russian missile strikes. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that two domestic firms are developing indigenous ballistic missiles, though mass production continues to face technological obstacles. Furthermore, securing U.S. licensing and navigating administrative procedures to produce Patriot air defense systems locally is expected to take between one and several years.

To manage urgent capability gaps, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are acquiring the "Equalizer" glide bomb module. Developed by DG Industry under the Brave1 program, the guidance and wing system converts conventional unguided bombs into long-range precision weapons for Soviet-designed aircraft, with future plans for Western fighter integration.

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