Ukraine turns to domestic missiles and guidance kits amid Patriot delays

Ukraine is accelerating efforts to build domestic defense capabilities as Russian ballistic missile strikes highlight vulnerabilities and shortages of Western defense systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that establishing local manufacturing for U.S.-licensed Patriot air defense systems will require between one and several years due to licensing requirements and administrative hurdles.

To address air defense shortfalls, Ukraine is procuring the "Equalizer" precision guidance kit, developed by DG Industry and Brave1, which converts unguided aerial bombs into long-range glide munitions for Soviet-era and Western fighter jets. Additionally, two Ukrainian defense companies are developing indigenous ballistic missiles aimed at striking deep targets inside Russian territory, though technological obstacles remain before full-scale production can begin.

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