Participants allowed to protect third-party facilities under contract and lower age limit set
The Ukrainian government has approved changes to the rules governing the experimental private air defence project. Initiated by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the decision expands eligibility criteria for companies and refines the mechanisms for using air defence assets. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
The adopted act expands the scope for involving businesses in protecting infrastructure and industrial assets. Project participants now have the right to secure not only their own facilities but also to provide protection services to other enterprises under contract.
In addition, regulatory amendments allow the transfer of air defence equipment between authorized entities. Such reallocations will take place based on a joint decision with the Command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
New Criteria and Technological Capabilities
Additional criteria have been introduced for companies seeking to join the initiative. Businesses holding Defence City resident status or designated as critically important by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine are now eligible to participate.
The update also touches upon technical and operational aspects. Manned aircraft are now permitted for use within air defence groups. Regulations governing the use of warheads and electric detonators for interceptor drones have also been finalized.
Furthermore, the government reduced the minimum age requirement for personnel joining private air defence units. Citizens aged 18 and older can now participate, whereas the previous limit was 21 years.
Statistics and Military Control
All private air defence units continue to operate strictly under the operational control of the military command, functioning as part of the unified air defence system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The initiative is conducted in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1506 of 19 November 2025. Combat operations by civilian units began in the spring of 2026 to alleviate pressure on regular forces and bolster the protection of energy and industrial sites.
As of mid-October 2026, nearly 100 enterprises have joined the private air defence system. During this period, their units have shot down over 60 enemy aerial targets, including Shahed strike drones and Zala reconnaissance UAVs.
Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
Read also: Ministry of Defence Clarifies Liability for Interfering with Territorial Recruitment Centres
