An experimental government project involving the private sector in the air defense system is already being implemented and yielding its first results, Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov announced.

"One of the companies participating in the project has already prepared its own air defense group. As of today, several enemy drones have already been shot down in the Kharkiv region, specifically Shahed and Zala. In parallel, the formation of new air defense groups continues at thirteen other enterprises that have received the status of an authorized business entity from the Ministry of Defense," Fedorov wrote on Telegram.

He emphasized that all groups are currently at various stages of preparation: some are already performing combat missions, others are undergoing training, and the rest are completing their preparation and will soon strengthen the country’s air defense.

"Private air defense is integrated into the unified management system of the Air Force of the AFU and is already operating within it—protecting objects and participating in the interception of Shahed drones. This is a systemic solution that allows for the rapid scaling of air defense capabilities without additional burden on frontline units. We have created a model where the state, the military, and business work as a single system," the minister explained.

The goal of the program, he added, remains the creation of a multi-level air defense system that will provide maximum coverage and effective interception of aerial threats.