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Drone Strike Hits Russian Bolkov Semiconductor Plant Linked to Jamming Systems

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
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Drone Strike Hits Russian Bolkov Semiconductor Plant Linked to Jamming Systems
Bolkhov Semiconductor Device Plant. (Source: ASTRA)

A Russian electronics factory tied to the production of components for electronic warfare systems was hit by a drone strike, according to Russian Governor of the Oryol region Andrey Klychkov on May 21.

The targeted facility—Bolkhov Semiconductor Device Plant (JSC “BZPP”)—is located in Bolkhov, Oryol region, about 190 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Photos shared by residents show a fire raging at one of the plant’s production buildings on Vasily Ermakov Street shortly after the explosions.

The factory specializes in developing and manufacturing semiconductors and other electronic components used in Russian electronic warfare (EW) systems. Its product range includes microchips, semiconductors, indicators, microassemblies, and so-called “eternal batteries” for military-grade radio-electronic equipment.

Head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation, Andrii Kovalenko confirmed the strike, noting that the plant specializes in the production of microcircuits, semiconductors, and control components used in:

  • T-72B3 and T-90M tanks

  • self-propelled howitzers;

  • Iskander and Kh-101 missiles;

  • electronic warfare systems “Krasukha” and “Zhitel”;

  • tactical communications equipment.

He added that despite international sanctions, the Bolkhov plant continued to import Western technology through third countries and “parallel imports,” including components from South Korea, Japan, and even the United States.

BZPP supplies its components to Russian defense conglomerates, including Sozvezdie, and supports military communication systems, control platforms, tank simulators, and missile systems.

Roughly 700 employees work at the facility, which has been under US sanctions since May 1, 2024, due to its role in supporting Russia’s defense industry.

This marks the first known drone attack on the Bolkhov plant. NASA Firms, a tool for satellite observations to detect active fires, confirmed the fires in the area of the factory.

Earlier, a series of explosions and fires broke out overnight in occupied Crimea following a reported drone strike on Russian military infrastructure near the village of Perevalne.

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