Ukraine government expands rules for private air defense units

The Ukrainian government approved six changes to strengthen private air defense systems to counter Russian aerial attacks on infrastructure.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry initiated these measures to allow businesses to better protect their employees and energy facilities. Under the new rules, companies that join the private air defense system can protect facilities belonging to other businesses through contracts. Authorized companies may also transfer air defense assets between each other with approval from the Air Force Command.

The ministry also expanded the use of interceptor drones, allowing businesses to use warheads and electric detonators. The government lowered the minimum age for members of these private air defense groups from 21 to 18. To participate in the experimental project, businesses must now have Defense City resident status or be designated as critically important by the Defense Ministry.

These private units operate under the control of the military command as part of the unified air defense system of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.