Ukrainian drones attack Russian military plant producing tank and missile components
Illustrative photo: Drones hit a defense plant in the Oryol region (Getty Images)
Bolkhov Semiconductor Plant was attacked in the city of Bolkhov, Oryol region, Russia. It produces components for tanks, howitzers, and missiles, according to the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko.
The Bolkhov plant specializes in the production of microcircuits, semiconductors, and control components. They are used in:
- T-72B3 and T-90M tanks;
- self-propelled howitzers;
- Iskander and Kh-101 missiles;
- electronic warfare systems Krasukha and Zhitel;
- tactical communications equipment at the army level.
Kovalenko added that the Bolkhov plant in the Oryol region continued to import Western technologies through third countries and parallel imports despite the sanctions. These are components from Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and even the United States.
Reports online also said that the Bolkhov Semiconductor Plant is the largest enterprise in the city, its products are used in the defense industry and “often surpass foreign counterparts.” The Russian company is under US sanctions.
Drone attack on Russia
The Russians reported a drone attack on several regions on the night of May 21. The Russian Defense Ministry says that air defense systems shot down allegedly 127 drones overnight, and later reported the alleged destruction of another 32 UAVs. 53 drones were reportedly shot down over the Oryol region.
There were reports of explosions near the Bolkhov plant and a fire.
Oryol Region Governor Andrey Klychkov claims that 37 drones were shot down over the region on Wednesday night, and “there were no damages or casualties.”
Rosaviation announced the temporary closure of Kaluga airport overnight. Later, it was announced that similar measures would be taken at the airports of Tura, Kostroma, and Yaroslavl.
