KYIV, — Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has authorized 81 companies to participate in an experimental program that integrates private businesses into the country’s national air defence network.
The figure has increased from 51 companies in mid-July. Overall, 92 enterprises from different industries and regions have applied to join the program, including critical infrastructure operators and other private-sector companies.
Program Launched in 2025
The Ministry of Defence launched the pilot project in late 2025 in response to repeated attacks by unmanned systems. The program is designed to provide additional protection for company employees, production sites and other facilities facing regular drone attacks.
The program has expanded steadily, with 24 companies authorized in April, 30 in June, 51 in mid-July and 81 by mid-September 2026.
Private Units Remain Under Air Force Command
The participating groups do not operate as independent security forces. They are integrated into Ukraine’s multi-layered air defence system and remain under the operational command of the Air Command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Participation is voluntary. Companies form and finance their own groups using trained and certified civilian employees or existing security personnel.
Equipment and Training
Depending on their assigned roles, the groups can operate mobile fire teams equipped with heavy machine guns, searchlights, acoustic detection sensors and thermal optics. Some units also use counter-drone interceptor systems.
After receiving authorization, companies coordinate with the Air Force to establish their operating areas, equip their units and complete the required training before full integration into the national system.
Under rules introduced in March 2026, participating companies may also temporarily receive certain military air defence equipment and ammunition that are not being used by frontline combat units, subject to Air Force approval.
Combat Results
The private air defence groups have already carried out assigned combat tasks.
- March 2026: A private industrial team in Kharkiv Oblast recorded its first confirmed destruction of Russian attack drones.
- April 2026: A corporate unit intercepted a jet-powered Shahed-type drone travelling at more than 400 km/h.
- July 2026: The Ministry of Defence reported that private teams had intercepted more than 50 Russian reconnaissance and strike drones, including Shahed and Zala systems.
The remaining applications are still under review. The Ministry of Defence is continuing to expand the program as more companies seek authorization to protect their employees and facilities while operating within Ukraine’s centralized air defence command structure.
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