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Ukrainian Strike Wipes Out Part of Russian Drone Plant, Hits Ship in Crimea
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Ukraine has confirmed strikes on a Russian drone manufacturing facility and a patrol vessel in Crimea, underscoring an ongoing campaign to weaken Russia’s military capabilities, according to Ukraine’s General Staff on April 24.
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Neptune cruise missiles struck the Atlant Aero plant in the city of Taganrog in Russia’s Rostov region on April 19. The facility is involved in the production of unmanned aerial systems, including Molniya-type strike and reconnaissance drones, as well as components for Orion drones.
Updated information indicates that two production buildings were destroyed and four others damaged in the attack. Ukrainian officials said the strike is expected to reduce Russia’s ability to carry out attacks against civilian infrastructure.
High-quality images have emerged showing the missile strike on the Atlant-Aero plant in Taganrog. They indicate that at least three buildings sustained damage, with one completely destroyed.
— Exilenova+ (@Exilenova_plus) April 24, 2026
Atlant-Aero produces Molniya strike-reconnaissance drones, as well as components for the… pic.twitter.com/NttFCcZN52
Satellite imagery published by the Exilenova+ OSINT community shows that one of the damaged production halls has since been completely demolished.
Data from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence War & Sanctions portal indicates that the Atlant Aero plant manufactures Molniya-series unmanned systems, including the Molniya-1 and Molniya-2 loitering munitions, as well as the Molniya-2R reconnaissance variant.
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The plant is located roughly 40 to 50 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, placing it within reach of multiple strike systems.
In a separate operation on April 22, Ukrainian forces also hit a Russian patrol ship of Project 22460 operated by the border service of the FSB in Sevastopol. The strike damaged the vessel’s combat control section, according to the General Staff.
Ukrainian officials said the attacks are part of a broader effort to systematically degrade Russia’s military potential.
“The Defense Forces continue to consistently reduce the enemy’s combat capabilities and inflict losses,” the General Staff said.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Armed Forces launched a missile strike on the Kremniy El microelectronics plant in Bryansk. Seven Storm Shadow cruise missiles hit the company’s main production facility. The central building was destroyed, and the extent of the damage indicates that production has been completely wiped out.
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