Ukraine targets domestic weapons production amid air defense shortages

Ukraine is accelerating efforts to manufacture indigenous weapons to counter intensified Russian ballistic missile strikes as foreign air defense supplies lag. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that producing Patriot air defense systems locally under U.S. licensing will take from 12 months to several years due to regulatory procedures.

To address immediate vulnerabilities and strike targets behind frontline positions, domestic firms are developing native ballistic missiles, though mass production faces technological obstacles. Concurrently, Kyiv is procuring the "Equalizer" glide bomb kit created by DG Industry and Brave1. The module converts unguided munitions into precision weapons compatible with Soviet-era jets, aiming to reduce reliance on Western aid.

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