Private PVO groups to be created in Ukraine: principles of work and criteria for selecting participants

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted a decision allowing private companies to create their own air defense units. These units will be integrated into the state air defense system under military leadership. Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced this on his Telegram channel.

According to the new pilot project, such groups can be created at enterprises of all forms of ownership and will work in close cooperation with the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Shmyhal noted that the program can be joined by critical enterprises that ensure the functioning of the energy, transport, communications, and other key infrastructure sectors.

Companies participating in the project must have sufficient resources and comply with security requirements. The main provisions of the work of such groups include:
– Subordination to the command of the Air Force;
– Use of digital systems for air defense management;
– The possibility of purchasing or receiving air defense assets by decision of the military command or through procedures agreed with the Ministry of Defense;
– Formation of a group of verified employees of enterprises who have passed the SBU inspection.

Shmyhal noted that private units must also conduct surveillance and identification of enemy air targets, and must have the right to use weapons within the limits determined by the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In addition, companies are obliged to cooperate with military and other security structures to strengthen air defense in their regions.

The process of creating such groups begins with the approval of a joint order between the enterprise and the Air Force command, after which the company appoints a group leader and those responsible for the storage and use of weapons, and maintains relevant documentation.