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Satellite Images Show Ukrainian Strike Destroyed Russian Drone and Air Defense Factory
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Satellite imagery released by Planet Labs on July 2 has confirmed the aftermath of a Ukrainian drone strike on the Kupol Electromechanical Plant in Izhevsk, Russia—a key facility involved in producing loitering munitions and air defense systems.
According to a report by Schemes, the investigative unit of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and based on data provided by the Estonian outlet Delfi, part of the plant’s roof was completely destroyed.
The images captured from orbit show structural damage consistent with explosive impacts, including a collapsed roof section and signs of fire.
🛰️ Satellite image confirms strike on Russia’s Kupol plant — key site assembling Shahed drones.
— Ivan Khomenko (@KhomenkoIv60065) July 2, 2025
🎯 Roof of main production building destroyed.
📍Izhevsk, 1,300 km from Ukraine.
🎥: Planet Labs via cxemu (Radio Svoboda Investigations) pic.twitter.com/95rAki3hQu
The strike, carried out by Ukrainian drones of the “Liutyi” type, reportedly hit building No. 1 at production site No. 1 of the facility. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed on July 1 that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in coordination with other defense units, executed the strike as part of operations targeting Russian air defense capabilities.
The damage to the plant reportedly caused a fire inside the production building.
According to Russian outlet ASTRA, two drones successfully penetrated the plant’s defenses, with one entering through a window of workshop No. 106 and another impacting the roof of workshop No. 110.
The resulting fire caused the roof to collapse over an area of approximately 1,300 square meters. These workshops were reportedly involved in the metalworking, circuit assembly, and production of Harpyia-A1 drones—Russian-made variants of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136.
Production at the Kupol plant has been suspended following the strike, ASTRA reports. The outlet also confirmed that 45 workers were injured, with 35 hospitalized and three fatalities reported.
The Kupol plant is part of the Almaz-Antey defense conglomerate and is known for producing the Tor-M2E air defense system in addition to loitering munitions. Its facilities in Izhevsk are also believed to be involved in Russia’s broader drone manufacturing effort, including numbering and modifying Shahed-type UAVs for use in Ukraine.
Notably, no Russian air defense systems were observed operating during the attack. Video recordings of the strike suggest that attempts to intercept the drones were limited to small arms fire.
Earlier, reports indicated that Ukrainian Lyutiy drones struck the Kupol Electromechanical Plant in Izhevsk on July 1, igniting fires and causing structural damage. Russian officials confirmed casualties and suspended operations at the site.
