Nova Poshta Says Its Private Air Defence Group Has Downed Shahed Drones
Nova Poshta has implemented a private air-defence project to help protect its logistics infrastructure from Russian drone attacks. Co-owner Viacheslav Klimov said the company has already downed Shahed drones, but did not disclose how many. Ukrainian private air-defence groups have collectively downed more than 60 airborne targets as of October.
Key points
- Nova Poshta implemented a private air-defence project, co-owner Viacheslav Klimov said.
- The company has recorded the downing of Russian Shahed attack drones, but has not disclosed the number.
- Nova Poshta employees independently extinguish a significant share of fires following attacks before emergency services arrive.
- Nearly 100 companies had joined private air defence and about 50 groups had been formed as of October.
- Private air-defence groups operate under the relevant Air Force commands and have downed more than 60 airborne targets as of October.
- Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the experimental private air-defence procedure in December 2025, with amendments introduced in early March 2026.
Why it matters
Nova Poshta’s project shows a private logistics company participating directly in protecting critical infrastructure. The reported drone interceptions and the company’s firefighting efforts illustrate the growing operational role of Ukrainian businesses in responding to Russian attacks. Collectively, private air-defence groups have downed more than 60 airborne targets as of October.
What happened
Nova Poshta implemented a private air-defence project, with co-owner Viacheslav Klimov saying the company has already downed Russian Shahed attack drones. He declined to disclose the number of interceptions. Klimov also said the company is among the few businesses to have established such a group and that its employees extinguish a significant share of attack-related fires before the State Emergency Service arrives.
The initiative operates within Ukraine’s developing private air-defence system. Companies with the required permission can establish groups to protect their facilities, while their personnel must meet qualification requirements and complete training and certification approved by the Ministry of Defence. The Air Force command may temporarily provide equipment and ammunition not being used by combat units, and expended ammunition can be replenished through a simplified procedure based on an act documenting actual expenditure.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting places Nova Poshta within the emerging private air-defence system and highlights the wider contribution of businesses to protecting infrastructure and responding to attacks. Particular attention is given to the burden of Russian strikes on logistics facilities and the practical value of expanding private defensive capabilities.
Background
Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers approved an experimental procedure in December 2025 for involving businesses in forming air-defence groups, with operators of critical infrastructure identified as the main potential participants. The government amended the project in early March 2026 to permit companies to create private groups for the protection of their facilities. Private air defence emerged in Ukraine in 2026, and 30 companies had received official permission by June. Nova Poshta said it was among the few companies that had implemented a private project.