Ukraine’s air force has received its first domestically made guided glide bomb, a move Kyiv says will strengthen its military capabilities as Russian attacks continue.
The purchase of the bomb, named “Vyravnivatel,” was announced by Vladyslav Voloshyn, head of the Central Innovation Management Department in Ukraine’s armed forces. He said the weapon was developed from Soviet-era FAB-250 stock and fitted with guidance and correction units.
Longer range and lower cost
Voloshyn said the bomb has a maximum range of 130 kilometres and costs three times less than a comparable US-made bomb.
He added that Ukraine’s air force previously used smart JDAM glide bombs made in the United States before moving to the locally developed version.
Local development based on Soviet stock
The development reflects Ukraine’s effort to expand domestic military production and reduce reliance on foreign supplies in some sensitive areas.
It also shows Kyiv’s attempt to adapt older Soviet munitions with modern guidance systems to give them greater strike range.
France promises more air defence support
In a separate development, French President Emmanuel Macron said his country would send new interceptor missiles to Ukraine “to provide it with all the means necessary to defend its airspace.”
Macron made the remarks during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after expressing shock and sadness over recent Russian strikes that hit a shopping centre in Ukraine.
Shortage of interceptor missiles
Macron said countries with similar resources should join the effort to support Ukraine, as Kyiv continues to face a shortage of interceptor missiles needed to strengthen its air defences.
Zelensky said he discussed the shortage with Macron and that the French president had promised to speed up the delivery of new equipment to Kyiv.
New defence system awaited
Ukraine is also waiting for the arrival of the new Italian-French SAMP/T-NG air defence system, which experts say will improve its ability to intercept ballistic missiles.
However, European diplomats have said the system may not be delivered before next spring, leaving Ukraine’s air defence needs urgent in the meantime.
Conclusion:
Ukraine’s first domestically made guided glide bomb and France’s pledge to send more interceptor missiles highlight Kyiv’s effort to strengthen both offensive and defensive capabilities in its war with Russia. While Ukraine is building more of its own military hardware, it still relies heavily on European support to shore up its air defences.
