In Ukraine, 25 companies have joined the private air defense project
Twenty-five companies have joined a pilot project for private air defense in Ukraine, some of whose units have already shot down more than 10 Russian Shahed and Zala drones.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced this on Telegram. Businesses have received official status from the Ministry of Defense to form their own air defense groups to protect facilities in coordination with the military.
The project launched in November 2025 to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and develop “small-scale air defense” without placing an additional burden on regular combat units. To participate, companies submit an application to the Ministry of Defense, undergo vetting, and form teams that operate within a unified system under the control of the Ukrainian Air Force. A simplified procedure for admission to perform defense tasks is provided for critical enterprises.
Earlier, in 2025, similar civilian teams were already involved in protecting Ukrzaliznytsia facilities and seaports from Russian attacks. This experience became part of a broader reform aimed at creating mobile air defense groups based on volunteer formations from local communities. All private units are integrated into the overall defense structure and operate exclusively in coordination with military command.
Hfysit The government has expanded opportunities to involve civilians in the fight against drones. This refers to so-called private air defense for businesses, the work of territorial community volunteer formations, and the recruitment of young people into UAV interceptor units based on a territorial principle.
As a reminder, all-weatherUAV interceptor drones equipped with artificial intelligence are being developed in Ukraine.
