Private air defence in Ukraine: government expands corporate capabilities and updates participation rules

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has updated the rules for the experimental private air defence project. Companies will now be able to deploy more resources to protect facilities, and additional categories of businesses will be admitted to the program. The changes also affect the use of interceptor drones, manned aircraft, and the age limit for members of air defence groups, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defence.

The updated procedure introduces the following innovations:

• Protection of other companies’ facilities. Companies already participating in the project will be able to protect not only their own facilities, but also the infrastructure of other enterprises — under an appropriate contract.
• Transfer of air defence assets between companies. Authorised enterprises will be able to transfer air defence assets to each other for use. This will require a joint decision with the Air Force Command.
• New criteria for participants. Companies holding Defence City resident status and/or those designated as critically important by the Ministry of Defence will be eligible to join the project.
• Deployment of manned aircraft. Corporate air defence groups will be allowed to use manned aircraft within their units.
• Expanded use of interceptor drones. The rules have regulated the use of warheads and electric detonators by enterprises.
• Lowering the minimum age for participants. Individuals aged 18 and older will be allowed to join private air defence groups, replacing the previous minimum age limit of 21.

Despite the expansion of corporate powers, private air defence will continue to operate under the control of the military command and remain integrated into the unified air defence system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As is known, the experimental private air defence project was introduced in the autumn of 2025. The government allowed enterprises to additionally protect personnel, production facilities, and energy infrastructure facing regular Russian drone attacks. Private air defence groups began combat operations in the spring of 2026. As of mid-October, nearly 100 companies have joined the project, having already destroyed over 60 enemy targets.