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Alsharq Tribune- Adam Fouda
President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled a new precision-guided bomb, made with 3D printing technology, to be used on Ukraine's frontline against Russia.
The weapon was spotted by analysts at the Defence Cooperation Forum, attended by both Zelensky and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, which showcased Ukraine's advanced defence systems.
Resembling Turkey's MAM-L bomb, developed to be used by the NATO member's Bayraktar TB2 drone, the yet-to-be-disclosed bomb appears to be intended for drone use.
"Today, together with Prime Minister of Canada @MarkJCarney, we saw the latest Ukrainian developments - weapons and equipment created here in Ukraine to defend our state," the Ukrainian leader posted to social media about the event.
Drone and aerial strikes carried out by both Ukraine and Russia have intensified significantly since the turn of the year, with Moscow accusing Kyiv of carrying out a successful drone raid on the Kursk nuclear power plant, forcing a 50% reduction in the operating capacity of a reactor.
The attack coincided with the 34th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union, as well as remarks from US President Donald Trump, who condemned Vladimir Putin for launching further strikes after Washington's efforts to broker a peace deal.
At the forum event, the guided projectile appeared to feature stabilisers and control surfaces similar to the Turkish MAM-L model and a protruding top section, with potential for pylon attachment.
Other than first glance observations, no detailed technical specifications are known of the weapon. Its visible 3D-printed surface also suggests Ukraine has revamped its manufacturing approach with the design compared with the MAM-L's traditional metal structure.
Zelensky noted Ukraine is becoming increasingly self-reliant as it continues to fight Russia, partly owing to Trump's hesitation to hand over free aid to keep Russian forces at bay.
Trump recently welcomed the Ukrainian leader, as well as several European and NATO leaders, to the White House, after hosting Putin, to explore a potential peace deal.
This contingent, operating under the Coalition of the Willing moniker, reportedly agreed to a deal to purchase $90billion of American weapons to equip Ukraine with.
Former defence attaché for the UK, John Foreman, who has served in both Moscow and Kyiv, believes the deal was made "to entice Trump into political commitment."
"Now, fortunately or unfortunately, America still provides those more exquisite capabilities: fast jets - despite capacity issues - missiles, air defences, sensors, radars, highly protected armoured vehicles, those sort of things," the military expert commented
. "But it isn't just about having tanks, it's about signing on to a long-term political rhythm from Trump.
