Drone strike reportedly hits Russian defense plant near Moscow involved in UAV production

The Russian Defense Ministry reported the information.

According to the report, Russian air defense destroyed or intercepted 296 drones over the Moscow region, as well as Bryansk, Belgorod, Vladimir, Voronezh, Ivanovo, Kaluga, Kursk, Oryol, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tver, and Tula regions.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that air defense systems were active in the region. As of 2:02 a.m., he said 22 drones had been downed.

Telegram channels reported explosions in Podolsk and Troitsk, both in the Moscow region.

The Baza channel also shared that residents in Ramenskoye, near Moscow, heard explosions, allegedly linked to a drone attack.

Later, videos circulated online showing a UAV strike on the Elma technopark in Zelenograd. A fire broke out. According to the technopark’s website, its residents are involved in producing electronic devices, measuring equipment, optical systems, materials processing, scientific research, IT, and consumer goods.

Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, reported that drones targeted the Dubno Machine-Building Plant named after N. P. Fyodorov — a key site in Russia’s defense sector.

The plant manufactures combat drones, including the Orion system, which Russia uses against Ukraine. It has already launched full-scale production and is developing upgraded versions with greater combat capability.

"The plant also includes composites workshops, modern assembly lines for avionics and control systems. It operates under a war economy model, ramping up production even under sanctions," the report said.

The ELMA-Zelenograd technopark, a high-tech cluster focused on microelectronics, IT, robotics, and medical devices, was also targeted.

It produces microchips, components for guidance systems, and drone control units. It’s one of the key hubs for replacing Western-imported critical parts with local alternatives.

Airport operations

Overnight, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports, along with airports in Vladimir, Kostroma, Ivanovo, and Yaroslavl, were temporarily shut down for takeoffs and landings, Rosaviatsia reported.

Vnukovo airport said it was doing everything possible to keep passengers comfortable — offering drinks, food, and help with hotel accommodation if needed.

"Due to airspace restrictions at several airports, Sheremetyevo Airport diverted several Russian and foreign airline flights to alternate airfields. Some arrivals were also redirected," the airport’s press service said.

By around 8 a.m., Rosaviatsia lifted restrictions at the airports in Vladimir (Semyazino), Ivanovo (Yuzhnyi), Kaluga (Grabtsevo), and Yaroslavl (Tunoshna).

• Overnight, Russia reported what it called a massive drone attack. As a result, several airports imposed temporary restrictions.