The initial air defence units established by Ukrainian industrial enterprises have commenced active combat duties, while additional units are being organized at 13 other companies, Ukraine’s defence minister announced on Monday.
Last year, the Ukrainian government authorized energy, communications, and transport firms to acquire and operate air defence equipment to enhance their ability to counter Russian aerial attacks. These units, composed of the companies’ own personnel, are equipped with weapons, operate under the coordination of the Air Force, and are integrated into the national air defence network.
“Several enemy drones, including Shahed and Zala models, have already been shot down in the Kharkiv region,” Mykhailo Fedorov stated on Telegram. He noted that while some units are fully operational and engaged in combat missions, others remain in training phases. However, he did not disclose the identities of the participating companies.
Fedorov described this initiative as a system-level approach that allows for a swift expansion of air defence capabilities without adding extra pressure on frontline military units.
Russia continues to employ combat drones extensively to target Ukrainian industrial and energy infrastructure, launching hundreds daily. Most of these drones are intercepted by Ukrainian air defence forces. Ukrainian military sources reported that during the previous night, Russia launched 164 drones, of which 150 were successfully intercepted.
