30 companies have already joined the experimental project involving private-sector participation in the air defense system. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has granted these enterprises the status of authorized entities to carry out air defense measures.
Air defense groups from several companies are already performing assigned combat tasks. They have destroyed more than 20 strike UAVs of the Shahed type and reconnaissance UAVs of the Zala type.
In addition, according to military command information, one group also intercepted a jet-powered Shahed-type strike UAV.
In total, since the start of the experimental project, 43 companies of various ownership forms from different sectors and regions of Ukraine have submitted applications to the Ministry of Defense to create their own air defense groups.
Among applicants who have already received authorized status to carry out air defense measures, about half are operators and enterprises of critical infrastructure, while the rest are private-sector companies.
As a reminder, the experimental project involving private-sector participation in air defense measures was launched at the initiative of the Ministry of Defense. Its goal is to strengthen the protection of employees, production facilities, and company assets that are systematically targeted by Russian UAV attacks.
Today, private air defense is part of a multi-layered air defense system of Ukraine. It does not operate independently but functions within the overall system under the command of the Air Command of the Ukrainian Air Force.
The goal for 2026, announced by Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, is to detect 100% of airborne threats and destroy 95% of them. By forming their own air defense groups, businesses are making a significant contribution to achieving this objective.
