Ukrainian attack shuts down Shahed drone assembly plant in Russia

RUSSIA, IZHEVSK, Jul 3 — The Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol stopped its work after a Ukrainian attack on July 1, reported media Defense Express, referring to the Astra Telegram channel.

Defense Express noted that this plant is an important aim because Russians produce Garpiya-А1 kamikaze drones, variations of Shahed drones, and Tor missile systems.

On July 1, the units of the Ukrainian Security Service attacked Kupol, which specializes in producing short-range anti-aircraft missile systems, said the General Staff of Ukraine.

Astra said that Russia admitted the attack by two drones.

Radio Free Europe/Free Liberty confirmed the damage via satellite image from their sources. According to Russian officials, the attack on the plant killed three people and injured 45.

Damaged Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol after Ukrainian attack on July 1 / Photo: Radio Free Europe

The distance to Izhevsk is nearly 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) — for this long-range attack, Ukrainian forces used a new type of Liutyi drone without a rolling chassis.

“Changes in the drone-launching mechanism could provide a bigger range of attack. It could also help to make an explosive part of the drone bigger,” said Defense Express.

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