Ukrainian military officials announced Wednesday that their forces successfully targeted two Russian aviation facilities responsible for manufacturing and servicing military aircraft in separate regions of Russia.
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, forces attacked the Aviastar facility on March 16, which operates under Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation umbrella in Ulyanovsk. The facility sits approximately 500 miles from Ukraine’s border.
This particular plant manufactures Ilyushin-76MD-90A military transport aircraft and Ilyushin-78M-90A refueling aircraft, while also servicing “Ruslan” cargo planes, Ukrainian officials reported.
Military sources indicated that the strike damaged hangars and aircraft parking zones, with several planes sustaining damage in the attack.
A second operation took place March 17 at the 123rd aircraft maintenance facility located in Staraya Russia within the Novgorod region, according to Ukrainian military statements.
Ukrainian forces reported via Telegram that this second facility handles comprehensive repair and upgrade services for heavy transport aircraft, including Ilyushin-76, Ilyushin-78, and L-410 models.
The strike hit a hangar designated for servicing Ilyushin-76 and L-410 transport planes, though Reuters could not independently confirm these claims.
“Striking such targets directly reduces the enemy’s ability to restore and sustain combat-ready aircraft,” Ukrainian drone forces stated on social media platform X.
