Blasts erupt at Russia's Izhevsk plant producing Tor missile systems
Illustrative photo: Russia complains about drone attack (Getty Images)
Explosions were heard near the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol, where Russia produces the Tor surface-to-air missile systems and radar stations, informs the Russian outlet Astra and Andriy Kovalenko, the head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation.
Today, several loud explosions were heard in Izhevsk. Afterwards, locals reported a major fire. Footage appeared online showing what is claimed to be a drone strike.
Russian sources say one of the city's industrial facilities was targeted. Eyewitnesses pointed to the area housing the Kupol Electromechanical Plant. This plant manufactures the Tor missile systems and radars for the Russian army.
Information also emerged that the Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya) temporarily restricted arrivals and departures at Izhevsk Airport.
The explosions were confirmed by Andriy Kovalenko, the head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation.
"There are explosions in Izhevsk, Russia. For example, the Kupol Electromechanical Plant is located there. It is one of the main producers of the Tor missile systems and Garpiya-A1 attack drones for the Russian army," Kovalenko wrote.
Russian officials have not yet commented on the incident. The Governor of Udmurtia said only that "all emergency services are working on the scene" and promised to provide more information later.
Attack on the Kupol plant in Russia
The Kupol Electromechanical Plant has been targeted by drones before. Similar attacks were reported in November 2024.
The plant specializes in producing the Tor missile systems, radar systems, and other military equipment components.
Izhevsk is the capital of Russia's Udmurtia region in the central part of the country. The city is known for its military, machinery, and metallurgy industries. The AK-47 assault rifle is also produced there.
Kupol is considered one of Russia's key defense plants. Besides the Tor systems, it manufactures the Saman-M1 and Adjutant target training complexes. The plant also produces gyroscopes, nanomaterials, and equipment for the nuclear power, oil, and food industries, specifically conveyor lines for liquor factories.
In September 2024, it was revealed that Kupol began serial production of the new long-range attack drone Garpiya-A1, based on a Chinese engine.
Explosions also occurred on the night of July 1 in the Russian cities of Saratov and Engels. Several airports were temporarily closed.
