Drones Strike Russia’s Titanium Giant Supplying Su-34 Fighters and Iskander Missiles

Drones struck the AVISMA chemical and metallurgical plant in Russia’s Perm region overnight on October 25, targeting a major titanium production facility supplying materials used in Russian military aircraft and missile systems.

The attack took place in Berezniki, where AVISMA operates as part of VSMPO-AVISMA, Russia’s largest titanium producer. The facility manufactures titanium sponge, a key raw material used in aircraft engines, fighter jets, and missile components. Footage of the reported strike was published by the OSINT community Exilenova+.

Perm region Governor Dmitry Makhonin confirmed the drone attack on October 25, claiming Russian air defenses intercepted 11 drones. He acknowledged minor damage to an industrial facility and reported that five employees had been injured. According to Makhonin, the facility continued operating.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), VSMPO-AVISMA produced approximately 33,500 metric tons of titanium sponge in 2024, accounting for roughly 96% of Russia’s total production.

The corporation supplies titanium alloys to Russian aircraft manufacturers Sukhoi and Irkut, which produce Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35 fighter jets. Its products are also used in Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence has identified VSMPO-AVISMA as a supplier involved in the production chains of Su-34 fighter-bombers and Su-35S fighter jets.

The company also supplies Russia’s missile industry, including the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, which manufactures Iskander ballistic missiles and Yars and Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The reported strike follows Ukrainian attacks on two Russian defense-related facilities on October 24. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed strikes on the Proton-Electrotex electronics plant in Orel and the Tolyattikauchuk chemical plant in the Samara region, both linked to Russia’s cruise and ballistic missile production.

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