Ukrainian Forces strike aviation plants in Russia: Expert explains importance of targets
Photo: The expert explained the importance of strikes on the Smolensk and Kazan plants (Getty Images)
Strikes on the Smolensk and Kazan plants in Russia could significantly impact the country's ability to repair and upgrade its aviation equipment. These strategic strikes aim to reduce the enemy's production capacity, aviation expert and deputy director general of a company specializing in electronic warfare (EW) systems, Anatolii Khrapchynskyi, shared this in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
The expert highlighted the Smolensk plant, noting that this facility might produce components used, for example, in parts of the Su-25 aircraft. However, he pointed out that Su-25 aircraft themselves are no longer being manufactured.
"Any elements related to engines or hydraulics could have been repaired or produced at the plant, as all of this was manufactured at these facilities," Khrapchynskyi added.
He also explained that, given the plant's recent focus on small aviation production, it likely worked on manufacturing drones or their components.
"This is more about a strategic strike on production facilities capable of making aviation components or drones," the expert emphasized.
Regarding the Kazan plant, Khrapchynskyi noted that it holds significant importance for Russia's strategic aviation, particularly for the Tu-160 and Tu-22M3 aircraft.
"This plant serves as a base for the modernization or repair of these aircraft," he stated.
At the same time, he remarked that Russia is currently not producing new modern aircraft, and the four new Tu-160s seen in Ukraine were assembled from leftover parts.
The expert also noted that strikes on the plant in Taganrog have significantly complicated Russia's ability to repair Tu-95MS aircraft.
"This strategic decision was aimed at the same goal — to render it impossible to repair the more 'modern' Tu-22M3 and Tu-160," Khrapchynskyi concluded.
Strikes on Russia
Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian military infrastructure, including factories involved in the repair and production of equipment for the Russian army.
These actions aim to weaken the enemy's military potential and disrupt its production processes.
Recently, strikes have increasingly taken place on Russian territory, creating additional challenges for the country's defense industry.
It is worth noting that yesterday, Ukraine's Defense Forces hit several key enemy targets, two of which were located in Russia.
Moreover, on the night of January 20, Russia reported a drone attack on military facilities in Kazan.
