Ukraine is expanding an experimental project to strengthen air defence, enabling local self-government bodies to directly fund air defence groups within Volunteer Formations of Territorial Communities (VFTCs). The operational command of these groups will remain under the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Air defence groups are units within VFTCs that operate on a territorial basis and carry out detection, surveillance, warning and neutralisation of aerial threats using strike drones or manned aircraft. The local self-government bodies are recognised as full participants in the project alongside the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, military administrations, and VFTC commanders.
Additional remuneration is being made available to air defence group members for confirmed strikes against or destruction of aerial targets.
Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers recently broadened the list of entities eligible to initiate the establishment of air defence groups and clarified the personnel requirements for their staffing. For example, drone operators are required to obtain a certificate from educational institutions certified directly by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
For more information
Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
Image: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
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