As of April 2026, 24 companies have joined Ukraine’s private air defense project.
These are enterprises of various ownership forms from different regions of Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Odessa, Kyiv, Poltava, Zakarpattia, and others.
The private air defense project was launched at the end of 2025 on the initiative of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine to provide additional protection for employees and industrial facilities that are daily targeted by enemy drone attacks.
Private air defense is not an independent or uncontrolled unit. It is one component of the country’s multi-layered air defense system under the command of the Air Command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Private air defense groups consist of civilian workers who have undergone training, hold the necessary certifications and permits, and meet established requirements. Within the framework of current legislation and with approval from the Air Force command, they are authorized to use designated air defense equipment in a specified area and time to protect against enemy air attacks.
Members of private air defense groups include individuals who, under Ukraine’s law “On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization,” are not subject to conscription into the Defense Forces. Accordingly, they do not receive exemption from mobilization for participation in the group. These groups may also include members of paramilitary security units, if such exist at the enterprise.
