Gazprom to Create Armed Reservist Units to Protect Facilities from Drones
Russia's gas giant Gazprom has signed a contract with the Defense Ministry to form mobile fire groups tasked with protecting gas supply facilities from drone attacks.
Gazprom, Russia's state-controlled energy company, has entered into an agreement with the Defense Ministry to establish mobile fire groups, according to internal company documents reviewed by the outlet Echo. These groups will be responsible for patrolling and safeguarding gas supply infrastructure.
The contract does not entail active military service but rather enrollment in the mobilization reserve. Candidates must pass a medical examination and a thorough selection process, followed by two months of training. Those who sign up are promised their average salary plus supplementary payments from the Defense Ministry, including compensation for time spent in the reserve and participation in military exercises. Additionally, recruits are entitled to a monthly payment of 200,000 rubles for taking part in exercises. Employers are required to keep their positions open during training.
Reservists are expected to protect critical infrastructure and other essential facilities only within their own region. Contracts are for three years, after which they can be renewed for five, three, or a shorter term if the reservist is approaching the maximum service age.
In May 2026, Russian authorities authorized private companies to purchase large-caliber weapons and specialized equipment to defend against drone attacks, including anti-aircraft artillery and electronic warfare systems. Russia's mobilization reserve consists of volunteers who sign contracts to serve in the reserve. At the end of 2025, Russia passed a law allowing reservists to be called up for special exercises by presidential order. In April 2026, authorities in the Leningrad region announced plans to form mobile fire groups from reservists to protect industrial facilities. In Ukraine, similar groups armed with interceptor drones and other weapons are widely used to defend against Russian drones.
