In Ukraine, businesses are joining the effort to destroy Russian attack drones. Early results have already been reported in Downing Shahed-type strike drones from the private sector, according to Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov.
This is part of a government-launched experimental project involving the private sector in Ukraine’s air defense system.
“One of the companies participating in the project has already prepared its own air defense team. To date, several enemy drones have been shot down in Kharkiv Oblast, including Shahed and Zala,” Fedorov said.
Ukraine enters revolutionary era of private air defense
The minister added that new air defense teams are being formed simultaneously at 13 other enterprises that have received official status from the Ministry of Defense as authorized economic entities.
“At present, all groups are at different stages of training: some are already performing combat missions, others are undergoing instruction,” Fedorov emphasized.
Experimental military initiative reduces defense load
Fedorov explained that private air defense is integrated into the Unified Air Force Command System of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is already operational, protecting facilities and participating in Shahed interception operations.
“This is a systemic solution that allows rapid scaling of air defense capabilities without adding extra burden on front-line units,” the minister claimed.
He noted that a model has been created in which the state, the military, and private business operate as a single coordinated system.
“We are opening the air defense market and creating competition: businesses can develop private air defense capabilities and protect their own infrastructure,” Fedorov said.
These private air defense units are armed, operate under Air Force coordination, and become part of the overall air protection architecture, enabling fast responses to attacks and rapid scaling of defensive capabilities.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine negotiated with Arab countries to export naval drones, which are deterring the Russian fleet in the Black Sea. The parties discussed the possibility of Ukraine assisting in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz.
