Ukrainian forces hit two critical aviation plants in Russia
Photo: Ukraine hits critical aviation plants in Russia (Getty Images)
Ukrainian forces struck two key Russian defense industry enterprises on March 16 and 17. These include the Aviastar plant in Russia’s Ulyanovsk region and an aircraft repair plant in the city of Staraya Russa, according to the General Staff and the Unmanned Systems Forces.
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In particular, Ukrainian forces targeted the Aviastar aircraft manufacturing plant in the Ulyanovsk region. The facility produces Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft, Il-78M-90A aerial refueling tankers, and also services the remaining An-124 Ruslan aircraft still in use by Russia.
"According to preliminary information, a climate-controlled hangar and aircraft parking areas were hit. Some aircraft located on the premises sustained damage of various degrees. The full extent of the damage is being clarified," the statement said.
Operators of the Unmanned Systems Forces also struck the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa, Novgorod region. This enterprise is involved in restoring Russian aviation equipment.
"This is a unique facility in Russia with a full cycle of repair and modernization of heavy transport aircraft, including Il-76, Il-78, L-410, as well as aircraft engines such as the D-30KP, AI-20, and others," the Unmanned Systems Forces said.
The plant, which has its own airfield, infrastructure, and operates autonomously, is involved in fulfilling state defense orders for the Russian army and participates in export contracts and import substitution programs.
"Strikes on such facilities directly affect the enemy’s ability to restore aviation equipment and maintain its combat readiness," the Unmanned Systems Forces added.
Other strikes on Russian military targets
On the night of March 18, long-range drones of the Special Operations Forces struck a base of the secret Russian drone technology center Rubikon in occupied Donetsk. A video has appeared online.
On March 16 and during the night of March 17, Ukraine’s Defense Forces also carried out strikes on Russian military targets. Important targets were hit both inside Russia and in temporarily occupied territories, including air defense systems, troop concentration areas, UAV control points, and more.
Earlier, Special Operations Forces units struck Iskander systems that Russia had planned to use to launch missiles at Ukraine. It was also reported that Ukrainian Flamingo missiles hit one of the largest ammunition storage sites of the Russian army.
