Ukraine is deploying private air defence companies to protect businesses and critical infrastructure from Russian drone attacks. The initiative, launched last year as a pilot programme, has seen 20 firms register, with two now offering operational services, according to the Defence Ministry.
One such company, Carmine Sky, uses a layered defence approach, deploying interceptor drones and automated turrets equipped with M2 Browning heavy machine guns. “It's like an onion, made of layers,” said Ruslan, a company representative who provided only his first name for security reasons.
Russia launches thousands of low-cost, long-range attack drones at Ukraine monthly. While most are intercepted, those that penetrate have damaged military infrastructure, factories, and energy facilities, leaving millions without heating and lighting last winter. Carmine Sky operates in the Kharkiv region and elsewhere, but Ruslan declined to identify clients or specific locations.
Private firms must receive authorisation from the Ministry of Defence and are integrated into the Ukrainian air force’s command-and-control system. “Targets and the decision to open fire is made solely by them,” Ruslan said. “We cannot do so on our own.” Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported early successes, including a downed Shahed drone in April.
Recruits undergo rigorous vetting, including polygraph tests repeated quarterly. Roman Korzh from Gvardiia, another air defence firm, said training a drone interceptor pilot from scratch takes about three weeks. Those not qualifying as pilots become spotters or technicians. Duty schedules are flexible, allowing recruits to balance shifts with civilian jobs.
