Ukraine authorises 81 companies for private air defence programme to protect critical infrastructure and industrial sites from drone attacks

Ukraine has authorized 81 companies to participate in an experimental private air-defense program aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and industrial facilities from drone attacks. The initiative allows approved businesses to organize and finance defensive measures under state rules, extending protection beyond units operated solely by the armed forces. It reflects the scale and persistence of Russia's strike campaign and Ukraine's search for additional coverage, but authorization does not mean all 81 companies already operate weapon systems or that private teams will act independently of military airspace coordination and safety controls.