Nova Poshta Shoots Down Russian Drones With Private Air Defense

Ukraine's largest private courier network is operating its own air defense systems to protect warehouses from Russian strikes. Nova Poshta has successfully intercepted Shahed attack drones using this privately funded initiative.

Viacheslav Klymov, co-owner of the Nova Group of Companies, confirmed the program at the Kyiv International Economic Forum on October 26. He stated that the company is one of the few to implement such a project. Klymov said, "We have shot down Shahed drones," though he declined to share specific interception numbers.

The move reflects a shift in how Ukrainian businesses view state responsibilities during the war. Klymov noted that companies are taking on functions previously reserved for the government. He argued that private entities should establish their own firefighting services at production sites to respond to damage faster.

Klymov cited internal data showing that Nova Poshta employees extinguish many fires caused by attacks before state emergency crews arrive. He observed that large companies are now importing fire engines from Europe to build these independent services. "This is our property, so what's the problem?" he asked, emphasizing the right to self-insurance.

Nova Poshta operates under constant threat due to its extensive logistics infrastructure. The company recently expanded its international footprint by opening Moldova's first parcel locker hub in Chisinau in October. That facility features 624 collection compartments in a single location.

The investment in private defense signals that major logistics providers are treating security as a core operational cost. By controlling both air defense and fire response, Nova Poshta aims to reduce downtime at its warehouses. This strategy allows the business to maintain delivery schedules despite ongoing aerial attacks.