According to Russian TASS news agency reports, on October 23 local time, Alexander Shokhin, chairman of the Russian Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Association (RSPP), said that the Russian business community is prepared to jointly invest in the development and manufacturing of air defense systems. This investment will ensure the safety of enterprises' facilities and protect them from aerial attacks through market-oriented financing.
Shaoxin pointed out that as the risk of drone attacks on industrial facilities in Russia increases, the demand for air defense assets among businesses has significantly risen. The business community is willing to invest in the establishment of air defense system production facilities through 'pooling funds'. This not only meets the security needs of individual businesses but also has the potential to initiate a new round of industrial investment cycles.
In addition to directly investing in air defense capabilities, Russian business circles are also seeking financial hedging mechanisms. Shokin revealed that the Russian Industrialists and Entrepreneurs' Union is currently communicating with the Bank of Russia and the Ministry of Finance, actively discussing the establishment of corporate property insurance mechanisms for enterprises in case of air attacks, in order to share and offset potential losses from such attacks.
In addition, Shao Xin called on the Russian government to further clarify relevant regulatory laws and regulations. Regarding the previous regulations that state that companies that fail to properly prevent attacks may be subject to external temporary management, Shao Xin emphasized that officials need to establish clear and transparent implementation rules, define the boundaries of companies' protective responsibilities, in order to stabilize companies' expectations regarding normal operations.
Bloomberg disclosed on June 9, 2026, that Russia plans to allow companies to purchase large-scale air defense equipment, including "armor" systems. However, the weapons will still be under the control of the Ministry of Defense and may be operated by reservists. Companies can also purchase radar, electronic warfare equipment, and other anti-UAV devices. This trend has clearly accelerated since then. The British Financial Times reported further at the end of September that, following the continuous attacks by drones in Ukraine on oil refineries and industrial facilities, the Kremlin is demanding that companies bear an increasing share of the costs associated with air defense.
