Ukraine has launched a new initiative that allows private firms to operate alongside the country’s counter-drone and air defense forces.
Under the project, more than 30 companies have already formed dedicated air defense groups tasked with actively detecting and intercepting Russian aerial threats.
Kyiv said the groups have already destroyed more than 20 Shahed-type attack drones and Russian-made Zala reconnaissance platforms.
According to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, one participating company successfully intercepted a jet-powered attack drone traveling at 400 kilometers (249 miles) per hour.
The initiative is designed to expand Ukraine’s counter-drone capacity while reducing the burden on frontline military units protecting critical infrastructure and combat positions.
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the priority this year is to detect every incoming aerial threat and successfully intercept more than 95 percent of targets.
“The goal of the project is to quickly scale capabilities without additional burden on combat units,” he stressed.
Operational Framework
The Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine oversees the operations of each private air defense group within its assigned area of responsibility.
Participating firms coordinate with the air force to determine which facilities will be protected, how many personnel will be deployed, and what equipment will be used during operations.
Companies involved in the program are also authorized to independently procure weapons and counter-drone systems after being granted end-user status by the Ministry of Defence.
If necessary, the Ukrainian military can provide additional equipment and ammunition from existing stockpiles.
“The next stage is to expand the project and increase its efficiency. This means increasing the number of targets shot down and reducing the response time to air threats,” the ministry stated.
