Ukraine's Chaklun-V drones and their strike on Smolensk Aviation Plant

Defense Express reported that on the night of January 21, 2025, Ukraine's Defense Forces deployed long-range 'kamikaze' drones to target military installations in the aggressor country. Among the hits, one drone struck the Smolensk Aviation Plant, a facility that reportedly produces and modernizes military aircraft, including Su-25s. While the full impact of the strike is still unclear, it is confirmed that one Ukrainian drone took down a Russian "Pantsir" air defense system, while the second targeted the plant's production building.

The attack was carried out using the Chaklun-V, a long-range kamikaze drone with a reported range of up to 700 kilometers. This drone is equipped with a 20-kilogram warhead, comparable to the Shahed-131 drones used by Russia, but the Chaklun-V is believed to have a combined warhead design, which may have a greater psychological impact when used against military targets.

The Smolensk Aviation Plant has been previously targeted by Ukraine, with military intelligence reporting in October 2023 that the facility was involved in the production of Kh-59 missiles. Despite the plant's continued use of imported equipment for producing UAVs and Kh-59 missiles, it is likely that its role has expanded to include Su-25-related work, even though Russia is unable to produce new Su-25s. These aircraft were originally manufactured in Tbilisi, Georgia, and today the Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing plant is responsible for repairs and upgrades.

As of 2024, Russia’s air force had a fleet consisting of around 40 basic Su-25 aircraft, 110 upgraded Su-25SM/SM3 models, and 15 Su-25UB trainer aircraft.

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