Officials said one participating company has formed its own air defence group, which has already conducted combat missions. Several enemy unmanned aerial vehicles, including Shahed and Zala drones, have been intercepted in Kharkiv region.
The programme is being expanded, with additional air defence groups being established at 13 enterprises granted authorised status. These groups are currently at varying stages of readiness, with some already operational and others undergoing training or final preparations.
Private air defence units are integrated into the unified command-and-control system of the Ukrainian Air Force. Authorities said this enables them to operate within the broader national air defence architecture while protecting critical infrastructure.
The initiative is intended to strengthen overall defensive capacity without placing additional strain on frontline military units. It also allows for a more flexible and scalable approach to countering aerial threats.
“We have created a model where the state, the military, and business operate as a unified system,” said Mykhailo Fedorov.
Under the programme, private companies are allowed to develop their own air defence capabilities and contribute to the protection of infrastructure. These units are equipped with weapons and operate under the coordination of the Air Force.
Officials said the approach introduces a competitive environment in the air defence sector while maintaining centralised command and operational control. The model is designed to accelerate deployment and improve responsiveness to incoming threats.
“This means more protected facilities, more targets shot down, and faster response to attacks,” Fedorov said. “Our goal is to build a multi-layered air defense system that ensures maximum coverage and effective interception of aerial threats.”
“Protecting the skies is a key priority,” he added.
The Ministry said the programme represents a system-wide solution to address the increasing frequency of drone attacks. By combining state, military and private sector resources, Ukraine aims to enhance resilience and expand its defensive capabilities across multiple regions.
