As of April 2026, a total of 24 companies have joined Ukraine’s private air defence initiative, reports the country’s defence ministry.
“These are companies of various ownership structures from across multiple regions of Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Odesa, Kyiv, Poltava, Zakarpattia, and other oblasts,” says the ministry. “The private air defence project was launched in late 2025 on the initiative of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine to enhance the protection of employees and industrial facilities at enterprises that are regularly targeted by enemy drone attacks. Private air defence does not operate as an independent or unregulated entity. It constitutes an element of the country’s multi-layered air defence system under the command of the Air Command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
Protecting civilians and infrastructure from enemy air attacks is one of the main tasks. The goal is to identify 100% of air threats in real time and intercept at least 95% of missiles and drones. The aim is to strengthen the multi-level system of airspace protection of Ukraine and reduce the air defence workload of regular units.
“Private air defence groups consist of civilian employees who have completed training, hold the necessary certifications and clearances, and meet established requirements,” says the ministry. “In accordance with applicable legislation and subject to approval by the Air Command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, they are granted the right to employ designated air defence assets within defined areas and at specified times to counter enemy aerial attacks.
“Private air defence groups may include individuals who, pursuant to the Law of Ukraine “On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization,” are not subject to conscription into the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Accordingly, participation in these groups does not confer exemption from mobilization. Such groups may also include personnel from paramilitary security services, where these are present at the enterprise.”
For more information
https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/24-companies-have-already-joined-the-private-air-defense-initiative