Ukraine glide bomb under construction

Ukraine has unveiled its first domestically developed glide bomb, marking a significant step in Kyiv’s push to build an independent wartime arms industry as the conflict with Russia enters another brutal phase.

Ukrainian officials say the weapon is already combat-ready after a rapid 17-month development programme led through the country’s Brave1 defence innovation hub. The bomb is designed to hit fortified positions, command centres and other high-value Russian targets far behind the front line.

Kyiv Shifts From Buyer to Builder

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the weapon was built entirely from scratch by Ukrainian engineers rather than adapted from Soviet-era stock or foreign systems.

The bomb carries a 250kg warhead and can strike targets dozens of kilometres from launch, giving Ukrainian aircraft greater stand-off capability against Russian air defences.

The Defence Ministry has already ordered an initial experimental batch. Pilots are now rehearsing operational scenarios and integrating the system into frontline combat planning.

Russia Faces Expanding Drone-And-Bomb Threat

The announcement comes as Ukraine accelerates efforts to localise weapons production after years of dependence on Western military aid. Kyiv is increasingly betting on cheaper, mass-produced strike systems to offset Russia’s larger industrial base.

Officials also confirmed Ukraine is producing three Flamingo missiles per day, with output expected to rise once domestic engines replace imported components.

The strategy reflects a wider wartime shift: Ukraine is no longer focused solely on securing foreign weapons deliveries. It is trying to build a self-sustaining defence sector capable of innovating under fire.

Berlin Partnership Signals Long War Preparation

Ukraine and Germany have also launched the joint Brave Germany programme aimed at supporting military start-ups and expanding defence technology cooperation.

The timing is significant. As Western governments debate long-term military funding, Kyiv is racing to ensure it can continue developing advanced weapons even if foreign supplies slow.

For Ukraine, the new glide bomb is more than another battlefield tool. It is a signal that the country intends to fight — and manufacture — for the long haul.

Ukraine develops its first domestically made glide bomb, defense minister says

Pre-war, Ukraine had a significant defence industry.

In 2012, Ukraine was the world's 4th largest arms exporter. I think the author of the article doesn't understand things that well.

The way the article is written you might be forgiven in thinking for many many years, Ukraine has been dependant on Western arms imports.

Not true. Serious demand for arms imports only ticked up in 2022 for obvious reasons, when plucky Ukraine was attacked by an evil global superpower, and has more than held its own.

https://statbase.org/data/ukr-arms-import