In the context of the ongoing war, Ukraine is forced to seek new ways to protect its economy and infrastructure. If the state air defense system is experiencing an acute shortage of ammunition, businesses and industrial giants are beginning to take defense into their own hands. In Kyiv, the presentation of the project 'Critically Protected' took place, which proposes legal mechanisms for creating private mobile air defense groups.
Private Defense: From Idea to Instruction
The key element of the presentation was the demonstration of the possibility of organizing one's own defense forces at the enterprise level. The initiative was developed in strict accordance with current Ukrainian legislation. The project offers not just theoretical deductions, but ready-to-use working tools.
Andrey Ginkul, Executive Director of the 'Armada' association, emphasized that the main goal is to form a systematic approach to the security of critical infrastructure facilities. 'The developed instructions, standard documents, and schemes allow for the organization of an effective system of protection against air threats in a short time,' he stated.
This means that factories and plants do not have to wait for the state's mercy, but can quickly deploy their own interception and detection means using unified methodologies.
Technological Arsenal: EW and Mobile Complexes
The word at the presentation was given not only to lawyers and organizers but also to technological partners. Representatives of TAF Industries focused on the need for a comprehensive approach to security. In their understanding, protecting an object is not just one gun, but a multi-level system.
The company KVERTUS presented solutions in the field of electronic warfare (EW) and reconnaissance. These technologies are designed to be integrated into enterprise protection systems, allowing for the detection of threats at an early stage and jamming the control channels of enemy drones.
Particular interest was aroused by samples of specialized equipment demonstrated at the venue. In the photos taken during the event, armored vehicles equipped with modern radars, antenna arrays, and anti-aircraft installations are clearly visible. Such mobile equipment is capable of quickly moving between objects, providing a 'security umbrella' where stationary air defense systems cannot react in time.
Background: Missile Shortage and Waiting for 'Patriots'
The relevance of the 'Critically Protected' project is directly related to the current situation in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on agreements at the 'highest political level' regarding the supply of Patriot air defense systems. However, the expectation of implementing these promises is being delayed.
The situation is exacerbated by a critical shortage of ammunition. The Air Force of Ukraine admitted that in some units, the ammunition for Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T complexes is almost exhausted. According to military data, representatives of the Armed Forces have to literally ask Western partners for even 5–10 missiles to maintain defense.
Under such conditions, initiatives to create non-state protection mechanisms become not just an alternative, but a necessity for the survival of the country's economy. The 'Critically Protected' project demonstrates that Ukraine is ready to decentralize its defense system, involving the private sector and advanced technologies in the protection process.