Ukraine launched the world's first 'private air defense system': who invented it, who participates, and how effective is it?
"We are essentially a private military company. But one that has more specific knowledge," a UAF veteran and former military intelligence officer Valery explains to the BBC Ukrainian service. He and his comrades organized one of the country's first "private air defense" companies as part of an experiment the world has not seen before. What is this project, who participates, and is it successful?
Collage: BBC Ukrainian service
In 2024-2025, problems with air defense began to escalate in Ukraine. Russia increased the number of attack drones and modified them in such a way that shooting down UAVs became more difficult.
At the same time, not only military but also civilian objects in the rear of Ukraine increasingly came under attack: railway stations, warehouses, shops, and logistics hubs.
Kyiv faced the problem of a shortage of both means and personnel for air defense deep within its territory.
The new tactics of "Shaheds" involve their accumulation in a narrow area to break through defenses.
This led to them, having broken through the lines, being able to attack virtually any building or moving object in Ukraine without hindrance.
The military leadership was tasked with finding an "antidote".
Private Air Defense: How the Idea Arose
The UAF could not keep up with increasing capabilities to cover critical infrastructure objects, explains Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the UAF, Brigadier General Andriy Lebedenko, to the BBC Ukrainian service.
It is precisely within his area of responsibility to develop innovations in the Ukrainian army, specifically the idea of "private air defense".
"First, there were one hundred and fifty critical infrastructure objects, then five hundred, then, say, two thousand, then ten thousand. This led to us simply not being able to keep up with increasing capabilities for their defense. It became clear that a symmetrical response to this threat does not work. We need to act asymmetrically," he notes in an interview with the BBC.
The idea of "private air defense" originated with the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the UAF, Andriy Lebedenko. He says he was looking for an "asymmetrical solution" to neutralize threats. Photo: Main Communication Directorate of the UAF
That's when the idea emerged to involve the maximum number of people in air defense who, for one reason or another, cannot be mobilized. For example, women, veterans, men aged 18-25, and former military personnel with injuries.
In June 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers launched an experimental project for air defense groups as part of volunteer formations of territorial communities (DFTG). People not subject to mobilization had the opportunity to sign a 3-year contract and join these formations to participate in defending the Ukrainian sky. These groups can be financed by local communities, not the state.
In November 2025, the experiment went further: the government allowed enterprises of all forms of ownership, including private ones, to create their own air defense groups.
In March of this year, the authorities allowed "private air defenders" to be "temporarily issued" weapons and ammunition.
At this point, the experiment began to work not only in theory but also in practice.
The project will last two years — until November 22, 2027. Based on the results, the Ministry of Defense is to report to the government on its effectiveness.
How It Works
To obtain the right to form its own air defense unit, an enterprise must submit an application to the Ministry of Defense. It must describe information about the firm, its management, and information about its "ability to perform air defense tasks" (availability of warehouses, real estate objects for storing air defense equipment, as well as readiness to purchase air defense equipment).
Data on the approximate structure and composition of the air defense group are also required.
These "air defenders" must undergo mandatory psychiatric and narcological examinations, have no criminal record or health restrictions for performing functional duties, and no ties with Russia or sanctioned individuals.
Applications for the creation of "private air defense" are reviewed by the Ministry of Defense. Head of the department Mykhailo Fedorov says he is satisfied with the pace of the experiment
The Ministry of Defense reviews this application and can approve or deny it.
According to sources of the BBC Ukrainian service in the military leadership, as of mid-May, about 40 candidates had submitted applications. Of these, almost 30 received permission from the ministry, and about 10 are already integrated into the nationwide air defense system.
However, slightly less than half of them are directly performing tasks, i.e., conducting combat duty. Others are in the stage of contract formalization, procurement of equipment, personnel training, and coordination with the Air Force command.
A Russian "Shahed" targeted and attacked by an operator of a "private air defense" anti-aircraft turret.
And this is an important point.
The thing is, private air defense teams do not operate independently, even if they have received authorization and a contract to guard an object.
Coordination of actions is handled by the Air Force command, which itself provides them with target designation, access to air space monitoring programs, and permission to open fire.
"Private air defense forces do not operate autonomously; rather, they add capabilities to the Air Force, which is responsible for air defense in the country. This works on a principle similar to private security companies. We have police, but private agencies also protect order and contribute to environmental safety.
Essentially, private air defense is effectively a private security company, only it protects not the perimeter on the ground, but an area in the air," explains General Lebedenko.
Minister's Friends, War Veterans, and Municipal Workers
The BBC Ukrainian service familiarized itself with a list of about 40 enterprises that have already submitted applications for their own air defense.
Among them are those who view it as a business, meaning they plan to provide services to other enterprises, as well as those who want to obtain such status to organize air defense for their own objects.
Among the former are companies such as "Security Service 'Gvardiya'", headed by military intelligence veteran Valery Kacharga, and LLC "Carmin Sky" (Carmine Sky), whose head is listed in the registers as Yegor Karniyenko.
Yegor Karniyenko worked at an IT company with Mykhailo Fedorov and later became an advisor to the head in their native Zaporizhzhia region. Photo: Press service of Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration
He was an advisor to the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration on digitalization issues and is also a friend of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, specifically confirming that he worked at his firm SMM Studio.
"Yes, we worked together and studied together at university," Karniyenko told the BBC Ukrainian service.
He denies that Fedorov lobbied for or favored his company in obtaining permission to be a "private air defense" operator.
The head of "Carmin Sky" emphasizes that he submitted the application to the Ministry of Defense long before Fedorov became minister in January 2026.
"Look, the state itself is interested in this work being done. So what does Mykhailo Fedorov have to do with it?" he stated, noting that the Ministry of Defense has no "special connection" with his firm and facilitates its activities only as one of the participants in the "private air defense" project.
Valery Kacharga says he is a war veteran and served as an intelligence officer. He brings his comrades into his "private air defense" company. Photo: ArmyInform
On March 30, Minister Fedorov published a video on social media regarding the "effectiveness of private air defense," which showed the combat work of Carmine Sky units near Kharkiv and indicated the company's name.
"Carmin Sky" and "Gvardiya" are among the few teams that have not only received permission from the Ministry of Defense but have also undertaken infrastructure protection and made their first "Shahed" downings.
Among other organizations and firms interested in becoming air defense operators, a large number of state and municipal enterprises stand out.
For example, the administrations of the Black Sea, Odesa, Izmail seaports, water utilities and district heating companies in Sumy and Lviv, and the "Pivdenne" Design Bureau in Dnipro have already organized or are planning their own anti-drone groups.
Among the candidates listed are "Ukrzaliznytsia," "Ukrenergo," and the "Vinnytsia Confectionery Factory" of ex-President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko's Roshen corporation.
Air Defense: Where the Weapons Come From
"Private air defense" operators can independently procure anti-drone equipment, including EW (electronic warfare) systems, turrets, machine guns, and interceptor UAVs.
They can also purchase and install their own radar systems, which, however, must be integrated into the Air Force system.
"Carmin Sky," for example, relies on remotely controlled turrets based on the M2 Browning machine gun.
They are located on special towers around the object and are controlled by an operator sitting hundreds of meters away in a bunker or command center.
The turrets independently recognize targets and aim at them, and the operator confirms the opening of fire.
The "Gvardiya" company says that they use interceptor drones for their work and also have their own mobile fire groups.
"But these are not just mobile groups; this is a serious defense system that includes the integration of both interceptor drones and automatic turrets," explains Valery Kacharga, the head of the firm.
According to him, they additionally receive weapons and ammunition from the state.
According to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated March 2, the Air Force command can decide on the transfer of air defense equipment and ammunition to "private operators".
"The quantity of ammunition transferred is determined by a joint decision," the document states.
An enterprise is set a critical residual ammunition norm of 50% of the initial volume. If this is reached, the enterprise submits an application for replenishment.
Ammunition and weapons are not issued permanently but must be returned within 3 days after the completion of the task.
Valery Kacharga, head of "Gvardiya," says that his firm received radars, small arms, and MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems) from the state for the period of duty.
Brigadier General Andriy Lebedenko emphasizes that the UAF command "guides" operators regarding the purchase of certain weapons or equipment but does not insist on the acquisition of these specific means.
"When they first take a position, we give them a basic understanding of what equipment is needed: what radar stations, EW systems, interceptor drones, turrets. We give them a base, they start using these means, and then they form their own view regarding their effectiveness. After that, we do not restrain them. If we tell them what to buy, then we will lose one of the key advantages — freedom of choice. Then it will not be a private air defense," notes the Deputy Commander-in-Chief.
He informed the BBC that, as of the end of May, "private air defense" operators had shot down about 50 drones, including jet-powered "Shaheds". And this is a "very good result," the general noted.
"About two-thirds of these are in southern Ukraine and the Kharkiv region, where most of these units are actually operating," he said.
How Much Does It All Cost?
"Private air defense" services can cost millions of hryvnias per month, company representatives say, though without disclosing specific figures.
Valery Kacharga says that enterprise losses from drone hits, loss of products and equipment, penalties, and downtime can amount to up to 25 million hryvnias (about 565 thousand dollars), while air defense services cost about 2-7% of this amount. Therefore, he concludes, the owners' benefit is obvious.
"You do not stop production during alerts and do not risk losing property and employees," is the opinion of the head of "Gvardiya".
According to Forbes Ukraine, initial capital investments in protecting one object with private air defense start from 20 million hryvnias (about 451 thousand dollars). This sum includes equipment, infrastructure, system deployment, and the work of technical specialists and operators. One market participant estimated the cost of protection at approximately 10% of the object's value.
For context: a standard turret for a pickup truck for an M2 Browning machine gun in Ukraine can cost about a thousand dollars, and an interceptor drone — 2 thousand.
The total cost of an automated anti-aircraft turret Sky Sentinel is about 150 thousand dollars.
Automated anti-aircraft turret Sky Sentinel with an M2 Browning machine gun. Such weaponry is used by private air defense groups to protect objects, particularly in Kharkiv. Photo: United24
According to Valery Kacharga, Ukrainian private business is "very actively" interested in the services of "private air defense" operators.
"Business understands everything because it counts its money. Losing an object due to a drone hit means much greater costs than investing in defense."
State and municipal enterprises are a different matter, notes the head of "Gvardiya," which is connected to the protection of the communal "Kyivvodokanal". He points to "bureaucratic delays" in concluding contracts.
"There is a somewhat inert and non-state approach from some municipal operators of critical infrastructure," says the head of the operator.
Regarding the financial aspect, the UAF command informed the BBC Ukrainian service that they are not involved in setting prices for "private air defense" services and do not track this issue.
What Could Go Wrong
In conditions where the state is practically unable to protect hundreds of thousands of objects on its territory, which is exposed to missile and drone weaponry, the organization of "private air defense" appears to be a sufficiently effective, albeit temporary, way out of the situation.
Businesses, tired of rebuilding destroyed capacities after shelling, get a mechanism to protect them, albeit at a high price, while the state gains the opportunity to redistribute its limited military resources. For example, to withdraw some air defense systems from rear areas and transfer them to frontline positions.
Ukrainian authorities expect that interest in this activity will increase and peak during the summer.
In the future, "turnkey air defense of objects" may also interest foreign clients, companies that have received permission for such activities tell the BBC Ukrainian service.
The leadership of the Armed Forces emphasizes that they support these companies and are interested in their growth in numbers.
According to General Andriy Lebedenko, a technical support service has been created that advises businesses on air defense operations.
"Everything is to accelerate the pace. So that businesses don't wander in a dark room, fumbling around, not knowing how to do it. During the licensing process, we provide support; they are contacted so that at every stage there is quality, speed, and results," he promises.
The Deputy Commander-in-Chief emphasizes: so far, no abnormal situations related to the activities of "private air defense" have been recorded, such as "friendly fire," damage to civilian objects, or injury to bystanders.
In early September, the UAF leadership and the Ministry of Defense plan to report on the effectiveness of the experiment.
According to General Lebedenko, the project is proving to be quite successful.
"Are the Air Forces satisfied with this experiment? I think so," he says.
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