A pilot project involving the private sector in intercepting enemy aerial targets has already delivered its first results. One company has trained its own air defence unit, which has shot down several Russian drones in the Kharkiv Region.
Specifically, these included Zala and Shahed drones. This was reported on Facebook by Defence Minister Mykhaylo Fedorov.
At the same time, new air defence units are being formed at a further 13 companies. They are at various stages of training: some are already carrying out combat missions, whilst others are completing their training.
Private air defence units are integrated into the unified command system of the Ukrainian Air Force and are already operating within it.
“We are opening up the air defence sector and fostering competition: businesses and companies can develop private air defence units and protect their own infrastructure. Private groups receive weapons, operate under the coordination of the Air Force and become part of the overall air defence architecture. The result is more protected facilities, more targets shot down, and a faster response to attacks. Our goal is to build a multi-layered air defence system that will ensure maximum coverage and effective interception of air threats. Air defence is a key priority,” the Defence Minister emphasised.
The intention to allow critical enterprises to defend themselves against attacks was announced last year, when Denys Shmyhal was serving as Defence Minister.