The primary task of such groups is defined as countering aerial threats, particularly enemy attack drones. This was reported on March 3 by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, according to ArmyInform, and the PromPolitInform portal.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, at the initiative of the Ministry of Defense, has adopted amendments to the resolution regulating the implementation of a pilot project to strengthen air defense by involving volunteer groups of territorial communities (VTGs).
The goal is to improve the mechanisms for involving volunteers and increase the overall effectiveness of countering aerial threats amid increased enemy air attacks.
The adopted document removes a number of organizational barriers and details the training requirements for personnel defending Ukrainian skies. The changes focus on several key areas:
More initiatives for local military command. Now, the right to initiate the creation of air defense groups within the structure of the TFTG is not limited to heads of military administrations. This authority has been expanded to include TFTG commanders and commanders of military units of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to whom the corresponding volunteer formation is subordinate.
At the same time, the mandatory participation of the head of the military administration in determining the commander of such an air defense group is eliminated from the procedure.
Clear personnel criteria. Newly created air defense groups will include members of the TFTG who, in accordance with Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine “On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization,” are granted a draft deferment. A mandatory requirement is completion of specialized training and obtaining a certificate of education as a remote pilot, master, or sapper.
Professional certification of professionals. Operators (remote pilots) of unmanned aerial vehicles are required to obtain a certificate from educational institutions (centers or schools) directly certified by the Ministry of Defense. Sappers assigned to these groups must undergo training at educational institutions of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or the State Emergency Service and obtain a state-issued sapper certificate.
Temporary reinforcement of the Territorial Defense Forces with specialists. In cases where there is a shortage of qualified pilots, master pilots, or sappers among volunteers, active service members of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the corresponding specialization may be temporarily recruited to join the air defense groups.
Unified command and control. The created groups will operate as an integrated part of the overall air defense system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Operational planning and direct control of their actions remains the exclusive responsibility of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the relevant air defense command bodies.
The adopted changes eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and give commanders the necessary flexibility in managing their units. Implementation of these innovations will significantly enhance the ability of local communities to protect their airspace. In June 2025, the Government approved a resolution implementing a pilot project to create air defense groups, which will be formed among members of volunteer formations in territorial communities.
The primary objective of these groups is to counter aerial threats, particularly enemy attack drones.
As reported, the Government adopted a decision strengthening the capabilities of air defense groups created at enterprises.
