Ukraine races to train civilians for air defense as Russian airstrikes intensify
Photo: Volunteers to be involved in air defense (t.me/kpszsu)
Civilians in Ukraine will now be able to join the country's air defense efforts. As part of an experimental project, volunteers may be recruited to support air defense operations, informs Serhii Yakubenko, Deputy Head of the State Aviation Administration.
According to Yakubenko, civilians who are no longer registered for military service and not subject to conscription may be involved in strike drone units.
Meanwhile, piloted aircraft units may include individuals who meet the necessary medical standards and have the relevant qualifications for operating and maintaining aircraft.
At this stage, priority will be given to reservists with piloting skills and knowledge of combat tactics, Yakubenko said.
"It takes much less time to retrain a military pilot for this type of aircraft than to prepare a civilian pilot for military tasks," he added.
Will volunteers receive military protection status?
Yakubenko clarified that the current government resolution does not provide for formal reservation (protection from mobilization) for members of these groups. However, all members of territorial defense volunteer groups will receive compensation as combat participants, up to 100,000 hryvnias (about $2,400), proportional to the number of combat shifts per month.
He emphasized that the Air Force will oversee this type of air defense work to ensure, for example, that these aircraft do not become targets for Ukraine's own mobile fire teams.
Air Force to oversee training and coordination
The Air Force will also be responsible for training the volunteer crews. They will define requirements for personnel and aircraft involved in air defense missions.
Additionally, government regulations permit National Resistance Training Centers to assist civilians in preparing for these roles.
Yakubenko added that civilian aircraft used in these groups may be equipped with various types of equipment, including weapons, communication systems, surveillance tools, and detection devices. The aircraft will be registered in a temporary registry of experimental airframes.
"These systems, since they are experimental, will be tested either during trial flights or directly during combat missions," Yakubenko noted.
Volunteer groups to expand Ukraine's air defense
According to Yakubenko, units of territorial defense volunteer groups will support mobile fire teams, fighter jets, and helicopters that are already countering Russian airstrikes. These volunteer groups will operate nationwide, not just in their home regions.
As reported earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine launched the experimental project last month. It enables volunteers to join forces in countering drone attacks.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense against Shahed drones, which Russia continues to launch across the country each night.
RBC-Ukraine published a separate report analyzing whether this Defense Ministry experiment will actually help Ukraine counter Russian drones.
