Nearly 100 enterprises join private air-defence project

Almost 100 Ukrainian enterprises have joined an experimental project to involve businesses in the air defence system. The groups they formed have already destroyed more than 60 aerial targets, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence reported.

Critical infrastructure operators, along with state-owned and private enterprises, have joined the project. The Ministry of Defence has authorised them to form air defence groups and carry out air defence measures.

Groups from six enterprises are currently involved in combat missions. In total, about 50 private air defence groups have been formed, at various stages of training.

As of October 14, 2026, these groups have destroyed more than 60 aerial targets. The main means of engagement are interceptor drones and automated turrets with heavy machine guns.

Each group operates under the Air Force air command in whose area of responsibility it is located. The air command determines which enemy targets the group may engage, based on its weapons and assigned tasks.

Enterprises can purchase certain weapons at their own expense because they have end-user status. A company can also ask the Air Force command to temporarily provide weapons and ammunition from military unit depots.

The Ministry of Defence believes private air defence enables it to quickly build up air defence capabilities without further straining frontline units.