The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved updated rules for the experimental project involving volunteers in air defense (AD). As emphasized by the Ministry of Defense, these changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of protecting Ukrainian airspace amid escalating air attacks from the Russian Federation.
This is reported by Finway
Main Innovations for Involving Volunteers in Air Defense
The new version of the government document provides for the simplification of organizational procedures and details the requirements for the training of personnel in territorial community volunteer formations (TCVF) participating in air defense. Now, the initiation of the creation of AD groups can be carried out not only by military administration leaders but also by commanders of TCVFs and military units of the Territorial Defense Forces, to which the relevant volunteer formation is subordinate. Moreover, the procedure has removed the mandatory participation of the military administration leader in determining the commander of such a group.
- Expansion of Commanders’ Powers: Local commanders have been granted more autonomy in forming AD units.
- Increased Personnel Requirements: Members of TCVFs with deferrals from conscription who have undergone specialized training and possess the relevant document for external pilot, master, or sapper will be included in the groups.
- Certification of Specialists: UAV operators must have certificates issued by educational institutions accredited by the Ministry of Defense. Sappers must undergo training at educational institutions of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs, or State Emergency Service and receive a state-standard document.
- Temporary Involvement of Territorial Defense Forces Specialists: In the absence of a sufficient number of volunteers with the necessary qualifications, active military personnel from the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with relevant specialties may be temporarily involved in the groups.
- Integration into the Overall Air Defense System: Newly created groups will operate as part of the unified air defense system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while operational planning and management of their actions will remain within the competence of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“The approved document removes a number of organizational barriers and details the requirements for the training of personnel defending Ukrainian airspace.”
Objective of the Changes and Development of the Experimental Project
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that such innovations will allow for a quicker response to the increase in Russian air threats and enhance the capabilities of local communities in protecting airspace. This decision continues the initiative approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in June 2025, which involves engaging members of territorial defense volunteer formations in repelling attacks from the Russian Federation.
The experimental project was developed by the Ministry of Defense in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, according to the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Headquarters. The implementation of new approaches will improve the effectiveness and coordination of actions among all participants in the air defense system.