Private air defense in Ukraine shoots down drones for first time
Private air defense becomes part of national defense (photo: Getty Images)
Private business in Ukraine shot down enemy drones for the first time — in the Kharkiv region, a private air defense group destroyed several UAVs, including Shahed and Zala, reports Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
An experimental project involving the private sector in air defense is already underway in Ukraine.
First interceptions
One of the companies participating in the project has already formed its own air defense group and entered combat duty. The result is several unmanned aerial vehicles destroyed in the Kharkiv region.
At the same time, 13 more enterprises are forming their own units. All of them have the status of authorized business entities from the Ministry of Defense.
The groups are at different stages:
- Some are already carrying out combat tasks;
- Others are undergoing training;
- The rest are completing preparation and will soon join the system.
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
How it works
Private units are integrated into a unified command system of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They protect facilities and take part in intercepting Shahed drones under military coordination.
"We have created a model where state, military, and business work as one system," Fedorov wrote.
According to him, this approach makes it possible to increase air defense capabilities without additional burden on frontline units.
Open-air defense market
Companies will be able to develop their own units and protect their infrastructure. Private groups receive weapons and operate within the overall architecture of airspace protection.
"We are opening the air defense market, creating competition: businesses and companies can develop private air defense and protect their own infrastructure," Fedorov noted.
According to him, the goal is to build a multi-layered system that will ensure maximum coverage and rapid response to attacks.
Companies are allowed to purchase air defense and electronic warfare systems
Earlier, Ukraine adopted a decision allowing businesses to independently purchase air defense and electronic warfare systems.
This opened the possibility for private enterprises to protect their own facilities without relying on state resources. This step had been long-awaited, as demand among businesses for such solutions is significant.
At the same time, the European Union published data on the minimum required number of missiles for effective protection of Ukraine. According to estimates, the country needs more than 2,000 units annually.
