Thirty companies have already joined the private air defense initiative

Thirty companies have already joined the pilot project aimed at integrating the private sector into Ukraine’s air defense system. The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has granted these companies authorized status to conduct air defense activities. 

Private air defense results in countering UAVs

Air defense groups from several companies are already conducting assigned combat missions. They have downed more than 20 Shahed-type attack drones and Zala reconnaissance UAVs. 

In addition, according to military command, one of the groups downed a jet-powered Shahed-type attack drone.

Forty-three companies applied to join the private air defense initiative

Since the launch of the pilot project, 43 companies representing different sectors, regions, and forms of ownership across Ukraine have submitted applications to establish their own air defense groups. 

Among the applicants that have already received authorized status to conduct air defense activities, roughly half are critical infrastructure operators and enterprises, while the other half are private-sector companies.

Why private air defense is needed

As previously reported, the pilot project involving the private sector in air defense activities was launched at the initiative of the Ministry of Defence. The objective is to enhance the protection of personnel, production capabilities, and facilities of companies that are regularly targeted by enemy UAVs.

Private air defense is now a component of Ukraine’s multi-layered air defense system. It does not operate independently but functions as part of the broader system under the command of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As outlined by Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov, the goal for 2026 is to detect 100% of aerial threats and destroy 95% of them. By establishing their own air defense groups, businesses are making a meaningful contribution to achieving this goal.