Massive drone strikes hit Russian Progress plant in Tambov region - Details
Photo: Drones attacked a factory in Russia (Getty Images)
On the night of June 17, the Tambov region in Russia suffered a massive drone attack. The likely target of the strike was the Progress plant in Michurinsk, according to Petro Andryushchenko, the head of the public organization Center for the Study of Occupation.
During the night of June 16–17, powerful explosions rang out in various settlements in Russia, particularly in Tambov and Kotovsk. The likely target of the strike was the Progress plant, which specializes in the production of control systems for aviation and missile technology.
Chronicle of explosions
Explosions in the Kotovsk area and on the approach to Tambov began to be heard after 1:40 a.m. In total, about ten explosions were heard; before that, the sound of drones flying through the night sky was heard.
Around 02:00, the attacks spread to other settlements, including Inzhavino, Michurinsk, Kuzmino-Gata, and Kalaisy. Eyewitnesses are sharing on social media that they saw flashes in the sky.
The media also reported the closure of the airport and the movement of numerous strike drones.
Under the crosshairs: the “Progress” plant – what is known about the enterprise
According to open sources, the “Progress” plant is one of the five largest enterprises in the Tambov region of Russia.
It is located in Michurinsk and specializes in the production of high-tech equipment for control systems of aviation and missile technology.
Additionally, this enterprise manufactures a range of electrical equipment for civilian use, including components for gas and oil pipelines.
Repeat attack on the Progress plant
The Progress plant has repeatedly become a target of drone attacks. The last strike on the enterprise was recorded on June 6, when a drone hit a production workshop. This time, the enterprise also came under risk, as it is key to the production of complex military equipment.
Local authorities have not yet commented on the events.
Previously, Russia stated that on the night of June 17, its air defense system repelled an attack by two unmanned aerial vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that were flying toward Moscow.
