Ukraine strikes Russian defense plant producing missile components

Ukrainian forces struck the Azov Optical-Mechanical Plant in Russia’s Rostov Oblast overnight on Sept. 26, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. The strike resulted in a fire at the plant’s foundry and damage to equipment in five production buildings. The extent of the damage could not be immediately verified.

The Azov plant is part of Russia’s Tactical Missiles Corporation and produces opto-mechanical and optoelectronic equipment, electronics for artillery, missile and anti-tank weapons, as well as radar homing systems for guided missiles. Ukraine’s military intelligence also lists the facility as part of Russia’s defense-industrial complex. The General Staff stated the plant produces equipment used by the Russian military and described the strike as an effort to reduce Russia’s military-industrial capabilities.

This strike on the Azov plant followed a separate Ukrainian attack on Russia’s Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai overnight. Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces said the refinery, located about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the drone launch area, was targeted by the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces, the 414th Unmanned Systems Brigade, known as "Madyar’s Birds," and other Ukrainian units. Ukrainian defense company Fire Point said the refinery was hit by FP-1 drones and subsequently halted operations, with three primary oil-processing units and a tank farm damaged.