Ukrainian drone attacks have hit two important installations linked to Russia’s military aviation in recent days, increasing pressure on the country’s strategic infrastructure.
The targets were the factory Aviastarlocated in Ulyanovsk, and the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant, located in Staraya Russa, in the Novgorod region.
The actions are part of Kiev’s strategy to weaken Russia’s ability to produce, maintain and operate military aircraft, especially transport and logistical support models. Aviastar, considered the largest aircraft manufacturing unit in Russia, is responsible for producing planes such as the IL-76MD-90A and the The 78M-90Ain addition to carrying out maintenance on large aircraft, including the An-124.
The Staraya Russa facility plays an essential role in the maintenance and modernization of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ transport fleet. The location specializes in supporting aircraft such as Il-76, Il-78 e L-410as well as components such as engines, propellers and auxiliary units. Monitoring information indicates that at least two aircraft A-50used for surveillance and air control, would be present at the base at the time of the attack, although there is no confirmation of damage.
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The attacks, identified through open sources and local reports, reinforce a recent trend of Ukraine using long-range drones to strike targets on Russian territory. By focusing on industrial and maintenance centers, Kiev seeks to reduce the operational capacity of Russian aviation without direct confrontation, affecting logistics, troop mobility and aerial coordination on different fronts.
Source: Militarnyi / Defence Blog | Photo: X @Exilenova_plus | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Last night, the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa, Novgorod Oblast, was attacked.
The plant carries out repair, modernization, and maintenance work on the military transport aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces. It specializes in repairing Il-76, Il-78, and L-410… pic.twitter.com/aqfDQtByIu— Exilenova+ (@Exilenova_plus) March 17, 2026
This morning, Aviastar plant in the city of Ulyanovsk was attacked.
Aviastar is the largest Russian aircraft manufacturing plant. The enterprise specializes in the production of Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft, Il-78M-90A tanker aircraft, as well as servicing An-124… pic.twitter.com/VF3hhXK9zg
— MAKS 25
(@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) March 16, 2026
