The Cabinet of Ministers has approved changes to the pilot project to create air defense groups as part of volunteer formations of territorial communities, which has been implemented since June 2025. As Ukrinform reports, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced this on Telegram. The PromPolitInform portal informs.
According to the approved changes, local governments will join the project, which will be able to directly finance air defense groups as part of volunteer formations of territorial communities.
Communities will be able to direct funds to pay rewards to participants, purchase technical equipment, fuel, unmanned systems, and other necessary support for the work of units.
A mechanism for additional remuneration for members of such groups has also been regulated. In particular, payments will be made for confirmed damage or destruction of air targets.
“Communities will be able to respond more quickly to air threats and strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure on the ground without additional burden on combat units,” the head of government noted.
The coordination and operational management of the groups is carried out by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Group members perform tasks in accordance with the statutes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As reported, private air defense groups of enterprises are already operating in Ukraine as part of a pilot project, which have shot down about 20 Russian drones, including “Shaheeds” and reconnaissance UAVs.
