The main task of such groups has been defined as countering air threats, including enemy strike unmanned aerial vehicles.

This was reported on March 3 by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

At the initiative of the Ministry of Defense, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved amendments to the resolution regulating the implementation of the experimental project to strengthen air defense (AD) by involving volunteer formations of territorial communities (VFTC).

The goal is to improve the mechanisms for involving volunteers and increase the overall effectiveness of countering air threats amid intensified enemy air attacks.

The adopted document removes a number of organizational barriers and clarifies the requirements for training the personnel who defend the Ukrainian sky. The changes concern several key areas:

More initiative for military command on the ground.

From now on, the right to initiate the creation of air defense groups within the VFTC structure belongs not only to the heads of military administrations. This authority is expanded to include commanders of VFTC and commanders of military units of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to which the respective volunteer formation is subordinated.

At the same time, the mandatory participation of the head of the military administration in determining the commander of such an AD group is excluded from the procedure.

Clear personnel criteria.

The newly created AD groups will include VFTC members who, in accordance with Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine “On Mobilization Training and Mobilization”, have a deferment from conscription. A mandatory condition is specialized training and obtaining a certificate as an external drone pilot, technician, or sapper.

Professional certification of specialists.

Operators (external pilots) of unmanned aerial vehicles must obtain a certificate from educational institutions (centers or schools) certified directly by the Ministry of Defense.

Sappers included in these groups must undergo training at institutions of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or the State Emergency Service and receive an official state sapper qualification.

Temporary reinforcement by Territorial Defense Forces specialists.

If there are not enough individuals among volunteers with the qualifications of pilot, technician, or sapper, it is permitted to temporarily involve active-duty servicemembers of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the appropriate specialty.

Unified control and compatibility.

The created groups will operate as an integrated part of the general air defense system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Operational planning and direct control of their actions will remain under the exclusive competence of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the relevant air defense command bodies.

The approved amendments eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and give commanders the necessary flexibility in managing units. Implementation of the innovations will significantly enhance the ability of local communities to protect their airspace.

In June 2025, the Government approved a resolution on the implementation of an experimental project to create air defense groups formed from members of volunteer territorial community formations.

The main task of such groups has been defined as countering air threats, particularly enemy strike UAVs.