Drones target two military airfields, defense industry sites in Russia

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, reported the information.

"Key enterprises of the military-industrial complex were hit in Russia, while Moscow once again struck civilian infrastructure in our cities, killing people," he wrote.

According to Kovalenko, a fiber-optic systems plant was hit in Saransk — a crucial facility in Russia’s defense sector, especially for modern military communications. It produces fiber-optic cables and systems for the Russian army, including for drones.

In Tula, the target was Design Bureau of Instrumentation JSC — a major player in Russia’s arms industry. It develops modern weapons systems, including anti-tank weapons, small arms, and combat modules. These are actively used in the war against Ukraine.

SPLAV, the leading developer of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) in Russia, was also attacked. It designed the Grad, Uragan, and Smerch systems — all used in the war on Ukraine.

"The enterprise has close ties with the Rostec conglomerate and remains one of the top suppliers of weapons for the Russian army," Kovalenko noted.

Due to the strike in Saransk, local authorities canceled classes in schools, universities, and kindergartens, Astra reported. They also banned sharing photos and videos of the aftermath.

Later, Kovalenko said two Russian military airfields were also targeted. These included:

• Shaykovka airfield in the Kaluga region, home to Tu-22M3 bombers and storage for missiles, including the Kh-22.
• Kubinka airbase in the Moscow region, where Su-27 and MiG-29 fighter jets are based.

The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation also explained that the fiber optic systems plant in Saransk was seriously damaged after the strike. According to him, fiber optics are one of the enemy’s advantages on the front, enabling the use of fiber-optic drones. This plant fully supplies the Russian army with fiber optics.

“There is now the possibility that its operations may be halted,” he added.

• On Tuesday, May 6, Russia also claimed a drone attack on Moscow and imposed flight restrictions at several airports.