Nearly 100 companies join private air defence project – Ukraine's Defence Ministry

Nearly 100 Ukrainian companies, including critical infrastructure operators and public and private sector businesses, have joined Ukraine's private air defence project.

Source: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

Details: According to the ministry, companies that have joined the private air defence initiative have been authorised to carry out air defence measures. Air defence teams from six businesses have been deployed on combat missions to date.

Quote: "Overall, around 50 air defence teams have been formed and are operating under the command of the relevant air commands of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine."

Details: The private air defence teams mainly use interceptor drones and automated turrets fitted with heavy machine guns. According to the ministry, as of 14 October 2026, these teams had destroyed more than 60 Russian aerial assets, including UAVs.

Quote: "The air defence teams formed by private companies are at various stages of readiness: some are carrying out combat missions, some are undergoing training and others are completing their preparation and are just beginning to help bolster air defence."

Details: The private air defence project was launched in November 2025. The Defence Ministry explained that the teams formed by private companies are part of Ukraine's multi-layered airspace protection system and do not operate independently, instead functioning as part of the overall network under the command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The companies and the military jointly determine their operating areas, personnel and required equipment. According to the Defence Ministry, businesses purchase certain types of weapons at their own expense, as they hold end-user status. In addition, companies participating in the project can ask the Air Force Command to temporarily supply weapons and ammunition from military unit depots.

Background:

• Earlier, Ukrainska Pravda reported that as of mid-September 2026, 81 companies had joined the private air defence system under the pilot project.
• In April this year, a private air defence team shot down a jet-powered Shahed-type drone travelling at over 400 km/h for the first time in Kharkiv Oblast.

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