The private air defense system is already operational. The minister spoke about the initial results
30 March 19:19
A pilot project launched by the government to involve the private sector in the air defense system has already yielded its first results, Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov said, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to him, one of the companies participating in the project has already trained its own air defense unit, which is producing results.
“One of the companies participating in the project has already trained its own air defense unit. As of today, several enemy drones have been shot down in the Kharkiv region, including Shahed and Zala,” Fedorov wrote
Fedorov emphasized that new air defense units are currently being formed at 13 additional enterprises that have received the status of authorized business entities from the ministry.
Fedorov reported that all units are currently at various stages of training: some are already carrying out combat missions, others are undergoing training, and the rest are completing their training and will soon reinforce the country’s air defense.
“Private air defense is integrated into the unified command system of the Ukrainian Air Force and is already operating within it—protecting facilities and participating in the interception of Shahed drones. This is a systemic solution that allows for the rapid scaling of air defense capabilities without placing an additional burden on frontline units. We have created a model where the state, the military, and the business sector operate as a single system,” the minister said.
He added that businesses and companies can develop private air defense units and protect their own infrastructure. Private groups receive weapons, operate under the coordination of the Air Force, and become “part of the overall air defense architecture.”
In November 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a pilot program allowing businesses to participate in forming air defense groups. The project is primarily open to operators of critical infrastructure—companies that ensure the functioning of energy, communications, transportation, water supply, and other strategic sectors.
