The Ukrainian government has announced an expansion of air defense capabilities for critical infrastructure enterprises, allowing them to receive additional weaponry to enhance their air defense systems. This decision was confirmed by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
According to Svyrydenko, the Cabinet of Ministers has amended an experimental project initiated in November 2025, which aimed to integrate enterprises into the national air defense system.
Key Changes Implemented
- Increased Participation: Critical infrastructure enterprises, regardless of ownership, can now form air defense groups.
- Defined Requirements and Training: Qualification criteria for personnel in these air defense groups will be established, with training and certification provided by institutions designated by the Ministry of Defense.
- Transparent Inventory Rules: The procedures for inventory, storage, accounting, and usage of air defense resources and ammunition will be updated.
- Temporary Provision of Weaponry: The Air Force Command will be able to temporarily allocate air defense systems and ammunition to enterprises based on individual assessments.
Svyrydenko noted that if enterprises utilize ammunition, replenishment will follow a simplified procedure based on a report of actual expenditures.
“All decisions will be made under the supervision of military command and within the framework of the unified air defense system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,”
she stated.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted that the government had previously authorized the launch of the experimental project, which allowed enterprises to create their own air defense groups integrated into the unified command system of the Air Forces.
Fedorov elaborated that the Cabinet of Ministers has now enhanced these capabilities:
Additional Weaponry: Enterprises will be able to temporarily receive weapons and munitions from military stockpiles.
Controlled Decisions by Air Forces: The types and quantities of ammunition will be determined by the Air Forces based on individual assessments for each enterprise.
Efficient Replenishment of Ammunition: In the event of usage during defense operations, replenishment will occur through a simplified process based on a report of actual expenditures.
Fedorov emphasized that the transfer of weaponry will occur solely during the experimental project and with the approval of the Air Force Command.
This mechanism is intended to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and integrate private capabilities into the national air defense system. Fedorov stated, “Our goal is to identify 100% of aerial threats in real time and intercept at least 95% of missiles and drones.”
The Ukrainian government has expanded air defense capabilities for critical infrastructure by allowing enterprises to form air defense groups and receive additional weaponry. This initiative aims to enhance national security and integrate private resources into the unified air defense system.