Ukrainian drones attack explosives manufacturing plant in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region
Photo: Sverdlov Plant in Dzerzhinsk (Russian media)
Explosions were heard in the city of Dzerzhinsk in the Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia last night due to a drone attack and the operation of air defense systems. The target was the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Plant named after Ya.M. Sverdlov,” which is part of the country’s military-industrial complex, according to Russian media agency Astra.
Reports indicate that explosions occurred around 4:30 a.m. (Moscow time) in the Dzerzhinsk area and the regional capital of Nizhny Novgorod.
Additionally, explosions continue in Dzerzhinsk at the time of this report. Residents associate these sounds with air defense efforts, suggesting that Russian military forces attempt to intercept drones in the sky.
According to Dzerzhinsk residents, the aerial attack targeted the “Plant named after Ya.M. Sverdlov,” which has faced sanctions from both Ukraine and several Western countries.
Russian media and Telegram channels report smoke rising over the city during this drone attack.
What is known about the plant
This enterprise is known as one of the largest Russian producers of industrial explosives, charges for the mining industry, and equipment for seismic and geophysical work.
Furthermore, the factory manufactures aviation and artillery shells, aviation bombs, including guided aerial bombs, combat components for cumulative anti-tank guided missiles, and warheads for air defense missile systems.
Notably, the “Plant named after Ya.M. Sverdlov” is a city-forming enterprise in Dzerzhinsk and is part of Russia's military-industrial complex.
“Plant named after Ya.M. Sverdlov" in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region, on a map (photo: google.com/maps)
Updated: Local authorities report on the attack
This morning, Gleb Nikitin, governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, shared on Telegram that air defense and electronic warfare units repelled a drone attack on the territory of the Dzerzhinsk industrial zone last night.
"Preliminary reports indicate that four firefighters stationed at the industrial facility sustained minor shrapnel injuries. They received necessary medical assistance and have been released to go home," the Russian official stated.
He added that emergency services are working at the site of the debris.
Not the first attack on the Sverdlov Plant
It is worth recalling that this Russian defense enterprise was previously targeted in a drone attack on the night of March 1.
At that time, Russians reported loud explosions in Dzerzhinsk, which it attributed to an attack specifically on this factory. Additionally, no official information was released regarding the possible consequences of that strike on the facility.
It was also reported that on the night of October 20, Russia announced a large-scale drone attack. Air defense systems were activated in eight regions in response to detected drones, including complaints from the Moscow region.
