Air defence groups from several companies are already carrying out assigned combat missions. According to the ministry, they have downed more than 20 Shahed-type attack drones and Zala reconnaissance UAVs.
Military command also reported that one of the groups downed a jet-powered Shahed-type attack drone. The ministry said the results show the role of private air defence in countering unmanned aerial threats.
Since the launch of the pilot project, 43 companies have applied to establish their own air defence groups. The applicants represent different sectors, regions and forms of ownership across Ukraine.
Among the companies that have already received authorised status, about half are critical infrastructure operators and enterprises. The other half are private-sector companies.
The pilot project was launched at the initiative of the Ministry of Defence. Its purpose is to improve the protection of personnel, production capabilities and facilities of companies regularly targeted by enemy UAVs.
Private air defence is now a component of Ukraine’s multi-layered air defence system. It does not operate independently, but functions within the broader system under the command of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov said the goal for 2026 is to detect 100% of aerial threats and destroy 95% of them. The ministry said businesses establishing their own air defence groups are making a meaningful contribution to achieving that target.
The Ministry of Defence has previously provided a detailed overview of how private air defence works. It also explained who serves in the groups, where and how personnel are trained, and how companies can join the initiative.
