KYIV, Ukraine (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that Ukraine has successfully carried out the first test of a domestically-produced ballistic missile. The milestone achievement was disclosed during a press conference in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, against a backdrop of escalating Russian bombardments that have inflicted considerable damage and loss of life across the nation.
“There has been a positive test of the first Ukrainian ballistic missile. I congratulate our defense industry on this. I can’t share any more details about this missile,” Zelensky said, signaling a significant leap forward in Ukraine’s military capabilities and self-reliance in defense production.
This announcement follows consecutive nights of severe Russian airstrikes that targeted various locations throughout Ukraine, resulting in casualties and substantial damage to the country’s energy infrastructure. The deadly bombardments underscore the ongoing conflict’s intensity and the urgent need for Ukraine to enhance its defensive measures.
In a broader context, Ukraine has been striving to develop its indigenous arms industry. This initiative aims to reduce the nation’s dependency on Western military aid by fostering domestic military production. Last week, Zelensky reported the combat deployment of a Ukrainian-made long-range “rocket drone” named Palianytsia, marking another pivotal step in the country’s defense advancements.
Kyiv’s strategic approach includes partnerships with Western arms companies to bolster the production of small arms and ammunition within Ukrainian territory. These collaborations are part of a comprehensive effort to fortify Ukraine’s defense infrastructure amidst ongoing hostilities.
The recent test marks a significant achievement for Ukraine’s defense industry and reflects the country’s resilience and determination to secure its sovereignty through enhanced military capability. While detailed specifics on the new missile remain undisclosed, the successful test represents a critical milestone in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to fortify its national defense against external threats.
