The Department of Defense has given permission to companies to create personal air defense units.

Air defense group Photo: Ministry of Defense

With the support of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the government adopted a decision that introduces a new approach to defense partnership: companies are involved in the formation of air defense groups in cooperation with Ukrainian troops, with the aim of strengthening the security of the country and important objects. The main goal is to increase the defense of critical infrastructure facilities. The Ministry of Defense informed about this on November 19.

What is specifically implemented:

• Centralized management. Air defense units operate exclusively in accordance with the instructions of the military command within the framework of the unified management system of the Air Force.
• Interaction. Heads of units work in a digital air defense control system, which ensures quick interaction and common understanding of the air situation.
• Access to resources. Enterprises will have the opportunity to purchase or receive air defense equipment at the decision of the military leadership or through the procurement procedures agreed by the Ministry of Defense. This makes it possible to promptly place local defenses around important objects.
• First of all, safety. The composition of the PPO units includes verified employees of enterprises who have medical permits, do not have a criminal past and have passed the inspection of the Security Service of Ukraine.
  The decision is being implemented without additional funding from the state budget.

Why does the country need it:

• More sensors, systems and specialists in important places. Companies with objects that can be attacked get a legal and controlled way of additional protection.
• Faster response – units located closer to the dangers reduce the time from identification to destruction of the target.

Who can join? Operators of important infrastructure – companies that ensure the functioning of energy, communication, transport, water supply and other strategically important industries – can join the participation in the first place.
Also, participation in the project is available to enterprises that have the necessary resources and comply with security requirements. In particular, those that can fulfill one of the conditions:

• carry out security activities in accordance with the established procedure;
• have permission to work with explosive materials;
• received the right to manufacture ammunition and explosives.

All participants undergo training according to the programs of the Air Force and operate under the direction of the military command.

How it works

Communal air defense: The Council of Ministers allowed communities to form mobile groups to fight enemy drones In June, the Council of Ministers initiated an experimental program involving voluntary formations of territorial communities (DTFG) in air defense. This is done to increase protection against drones.

Who can be a member of the group:

• Members of voluntary formations of territorial communities (DFTG)
• Persons who are not subject to conscription
• Those who have completed training and have a certificate (for UAVs)

What air defense groups can do:

• Identify, track and destroy air threats
• Use drones, airplanes, personal weapons
• Receive equipment, weapons, ammunition from the Armed Forces
• Use own vehicles and equipment

What subordination:

• Organizationally – Terrodefense Forces
• Operationally – the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Financial support:

• Up to UAH 100,000/month. (in proportion to the involvement) – from local budgets.

The program is valid for the duration of martial law, but no more than 2 years.

Earlier, the Informant reported that in February 2023, mobile fire units were formed in the units of the Kyiv Defense Forces and Means Group to counter “shaheeds”, cruise missiles and other air targets of the enemy.

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