Russian energy giant Gazprom has signed a contract with the Defense Ministry to create mobile fire groups to patrol and protect gas supply facilities from drone attacks, the independent outlet Ekho reported, citing internal company documents.
The arrangement involves joining the mobilization reserve rather than active military service, allowing employees to combine the role with their main job. Candidates must pass a medical examination, undergo a "thorough selection" process, and complete two months of training.
Those who sign contracts are promised their average salary plus additional payments from the Defense Ministry, including for being in the reserve and participating in military drills. In addition, the employer will pay a monthly compensation of 200,000 rubles (about $2,200) for participation in drills. Employees' jobs are retained during the training periods.
Reservists are expected to protect "critically important facilities and other life-support facilities" only within their own region. Contracts are signed for three years, with the option to extend for five years, three years, or a shorter period if the reservist is approaching the age limit for service. The age limit is 52 for enlisted personnel and warrant officers, 57 for junior officers, and 62 for senior officers.
Plans to create mobile fire groups from reservists to protect enterprises from drone attacks were announced in April 2026 by authorities in the Leningrad region. At the end of 2025, a law was passed allowing the president to call up reservists for special drills in addition to existing training and inspection drills. According to Kommersant, recruitment of reservists to protect important facilities has already begun in several regions. In Tatarstan, they were involved in guarding oil facilities, while in Bashkortostan, authorities planned to form mobile fire groups to protect energy infrastructure, including Gazprom sites.
Earlier in May 2026, private companies in Russia were permitted to purchase large-caliber weapons and technical equipment, including anti-aircraft artillery systems and electronic warfare systems, to defend against drone attacks.