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Ukraine’s Private Air Defense Units Already Downing Russian Drones
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![Photo of Roman Kohanets]( "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
Ukraine’s experimental program integrating private companies into the national air defense system has already downed Russian drones in the Kharkiv region, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on March 30.
Fedorov reported that one company participating in the government-backed program has already formed its own air defense group and used it to intercept several enemy drones, including Shahed and Zala types.
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“The result is more protected sites, more downed targets, and faster response to attacks,” Fedorov wrote, adding that Ukraine’s goal is to build a multilayered air defense system with the widest possible coverage.
He added that 13 more enterprises have received authorization from the Ministry of Defense and are now forming additional groups at different readiness stages.
Private air defense working. First Shahed & Zala drones downed in Kharkiv by a private firm. 13 more companies joining. Integrated with Air Force command to scale protection without burdening the front. Opening the market to build a resilient, multi-layered sky. pic.twitter.com/GhXuX6a9dS
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) March 30, 2026
According to Fedorov, these private units are integrated into the Air Force’s unified command system, receive weapons, and operate under military coordination while helping protect infrastructure and intercept aerial threats.
He described the model as a way to rapidly expand air defense capacity without placing additional strain on frontline units.
He also framed the initiative as the opening of a new market in which businesses can develop private air defense capabilities to protect their own facilities while contributing to the country’s wider security architecture.
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The move broadens an experimental program approved in November 2025, allowing operators of critical infrastructure to join Ukraine’s integrated air-defense network under military control.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko stated the Air Force command will be able to transfer air-defense systems and ammunition to specific companies on a case-by-case basis.
She noted the equipment would come from weapons not currently used by combat units, while every deployment decision would remain inside the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s unified air-defense system
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
-13e19343e660f1863492951ad4bfd46f.jpg "Oerlikon Skynex air defense system in Italy. (Source: Rheinmetall)")
