UK intelligence analyzes drone attack on Russian aircraft repair plant in Taganrog

The UK Ministry of Defenсe reports.

It is noted that the targeted plant in Taganrog is used for manufacturing, modernizing, servicing, and repairing early warning and control aircraft, such as the A-50.

However, British intelligence indicates that the aircraft plant holds broader strategic significance for Russia, as it also services strategic long-range bombers, transport aircraft, and serves as a testing center for A-100 aircraft.

The agency emphasizes that the continuous presence of active air defense, situated around the facility, underscores its significance.

“The loss of the A-50 from Russian operations highly likely significantly degrades situational awareness. Images of the damage caused by the attack that circulated online appear to show damage to two large buildings associated to the A-50U fleet, highly likely used to shelter the aircraft during periods of deep maintenance,” the British Ministry of Defense said.

They also add that two weeks after losing the second A-50, the fleet will likely be unable to carry out flights in support of Ukrainian operations.

“This attack demonstrates that Ukrainian operations can still reach strategically significant targets within Russia, even when such sites are thought to be protected, whether in the air or on the land,” British intelligence emphasizes.

• An A-50 reconnaissance aircraft was "critically damaged" as a result of a Ukrainian combat drone attack on an aircraft repair facility in the Russian city of Taganrog. Reports of damage to another aircraft are being verified.