In Ukraine, the first private air defense groups are already operating, integrated into the overall system of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported that one of the companies participating in the experimental government project has formed its own air defense team, which has already destroyed several Russian drones in the Kharkiv region, including Shahed and Zala type drones.
This is reported by Finway
Development of the Private Air Defense Sector
In addition to the already operational group, new air defense units are being formed at 13 enterprises. These companies have received the status of authorized economic entities from the Ministry of Defense. Some of them are already carrying out combat missions, others are undergoing training, while the rest are completing preparations for involvement in air defense.
“Private air defense is integrated into the unified command system of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is already operating within it — protecting facilities and participating in the interception of Shahed. This is a systemic solution that allows for the rapid scaling of air defense capabilities without additional burden on frontline units. We have created a model where the state, military, and business work as a single system,” commented Fedorov.
A New Defense Model: Cooperation Between the State and Business
According to the minister, the opening of the air defense market allows businesses to form and develop their own groups for infrastructure protection. These private units receive weapons and operate under the coordination of the Air Forces. The main goal is to create a multi-level air defense system that will ensure maximum coverage of Ukraine’s airspace and effective interception of enemy targets.
It is worth noting that on March 3, the Cabinet of Ministers approved changes to the resolution regarding the experimental strengthening of air defense with the involvement of volunteers. The Ministry of Defense clarified that these changes are aimed at improving the mechanisms for engaging volunteer formations and eliminating bureaucratic obstacles.
In June 2025, the government approved the Ministry of Defense’s proposal to involve members of the paramilitary and volunteer territorial defense formations in repelling Russian air attacks. The project was implemented jointly with the Ministry of Digital Transformation in accordance with the decisions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Headquarters.