Ukraine turns to domestic weapons amid Patriot licensing delays

Facing delays in obtaining U.S. licensing for local Patriot air defense system production, Ukraine is accelerating domestic defense initiatives to mitigate its vulnerability to ballistic strikes. President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that regulatory procedures could delay local Patriot manufacturing for up to several years.

In response, two domestic firms are developing indigenous ballistic missiles, though technological challenges continue to delay mass production. To meet urgent battlefield demands, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have begun procuring the "Equalizer" glide bomb kit. Developed by DG Industry alongside the Brave1 technology cluster, the module converts unguided aircraft bombs into long-range precision munitions. The system operates on Soviet-era fighters like the MiG-29 and Su-24, with planned compatibility for Western platforms including the F-16, aiming to decrease reliance on foreign military supplies.

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