Ukraine is deploying a new line of defence against Russian drones: private air defence companies tasked with protecting businesses and critical infrastructure. Last year, Kyiv launched a pilot programme allowing industrial firms to establish their own air defence groups. So far, 20 companies have registered, with two already offering operational services, according to the Defence Ministry.
Carmine Sky, one such company, uses multiple layers of protection tailored to client needs, ranging from interceptor drones to automated turrets armed 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. The firm operates in the Kharkiv region and elsewhere, but declined to identify clients.
Russia launches thousands of low-cost, long-range attack drones at Ukraine every month. While most are intercepted, those that get through have caused significant damage to military infrastructure, factories, and energy facilities, depriving millions of heating and lighting last winter.
The 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,' said Ruslan. 'We cannot do so on our own.' Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported early successes, including a downed Shahed drone in April.
Recruits undergo a rigorous vetting process, 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 who do not qualify become spotters or technicians. Duty schedules are flexible, allowing recruits to balance civilian jobs.
