“We need asymmetric effect,” Defense Minister Khmara says, as Ukraine funds its own missiles and radars to stop burning costly interceptors on cheap Russia’s drones

Ukraine is seeking to bolster its defenses against Russian drones and cruise missiles by investing in home-built air-to-air missiles and radars, Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara has announced. The Defense Ministry, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and the Brave1 defense-tech cluster are initiating grant competitions to develop these technologies.

Khmara emphasized that the move aims to change the economics of warfare by creating cheaper interceptors and domestically produced radars. This development comes as Russia deploys faster, jet-powered drones that strain Ukraine's defenses. Earlier, the ministry ran a large-scale test of drones with AI-assisted targeting, and the next contest will focus on counteracting Russia's guided aerial bombs, or KABs.

Khmara outlined the ministry's requirements, which include effectiveness, affordability, interoperability, and sufficient supply. The grants are part of a broader strategy to develop technologies that can later be scaled for the Security and Defense Forces.