Private companies have begun taking out enemy targets over the Kharkiv region
A pilot project has been launched in Ukraine to involve the private sector in the country’s air defense efforts.
The first results of civilian air defense groups have already been recorded in the Kharkiv region, where several Russian drones were successfully neutralized.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the successful launch of the initiative, emphasizing that private air defense is already demonstrating real effectiveness.
According to him, one of the companies participating in the project has formed a combat group that directly repels air attacks.
“Private air defense is already operational—the first results of intercepting enemy targets,” the defense minister stated.
He clarified that the defenders managed to bring down Shahed and Zala drones, which had been terrorizing residents of the Kharkiv region.
An experimental project involving the private sector in air defense has launched in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/17LhQ3asCP
— GLAVKOM (@GLAVCOM_UA) March 30, 2026
Currently, 13 more companies have received authorized business entity status, and new units are being actively deployed at their facilities.
Some of them are already carrying out combat missions, while others are completing a phase of intensive training under the guidance of military instructors.
Mykhailo Fedorov emphasized the full integration of these groups into the state structure: “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.”
Coordination with military command is a mandatory requirement for operations.
Involving the private sector in air defense allows for a significant scaling up of the state’s defense capabilities.
Private groups receive the necessary weapons and operate in clearly defined sectors of responsibility, which relieves the burden on regular units of the Armed Forces.
“Our goal is to build a multi-layered air defense system that will ensure maximum coverage and effective interception of aerial threats. Air defense is a key priority,” the minister concluded.
As a reminder, Russia attacked Ukraine with 164 drones, and air defense forces destroyed 150 UAVs.
Also in March, the effectiveness of interceptor drones doubled.
