Ukraine Deploys Domestic Guided Bombs, May Have Tested Ballistic Missile

Ukraine has initiated the combat deployment of its own guided aerial bombs (KABs), developed by its national defense industry. Initial results from these domestically produced munitions have been described as encouraging, according to Mykhailo Fedorov, the Minister of Digital Transformation.

Fedorov announced that two of the eight companies involved in developing these munitions have reached the operational stage. While the systems require further refinement to reach their full potential, early tests and combat missions suggest promising effectiveness. "The results obtained so far are impressive," Fedorov stated, as reported by the Ukrainian publication Militarnyi. He added that multiple teams are developing different bomb calibers and tactical characteristics tailored for various mission types.

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The results obtained so far are impressive.

The development of guided aerial bombs is part of the government's Brave1 program, a platform designed to support military technology projects. Fedorov explained that authorities are applying an "80/20" principle, allocating approximately 20% of available funds to technologies still in the experimental phase, which are tested under conditions closely resembling those on the battlefield. In May, Fedorov had announced the creation of the first guided aerial bomb designed entirely in Ukraine after 17 months of development, emphasizing it was a unique product for the current conflict, not a copy of existing models.

In parallel, there are emerging reports suggesting Ukraine may have tested its first domestically produced ballistic missile in combat conditions. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed on July 1 to have intercepted what it described as a "long-range operational-tactical missile," along with guided bombs and drones. While Russian authorities did not specify the missile type and Ukraine has not officially confirmed its use, the claim follows an announcement by Ukrainian company Fire Point that it was finalizing tests for its FP-9 ballistic missile. The company's chief engineer previously stated that tests could begin this summer or early autumn, with the missile reportedly having a range of about 850 kilometers, intended for striking targets deep within Russian territory.

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The ammunition is not a copy of Western or Soviet models, but a product designed specifically for the requirements of the current conflict.