Ukraine Hits Roscosmos-Linked Russian Plant Supplying Kh-101 Missile Components

Ukraine struck JSC Research Institute of Physical Measurements (NIIFI) in Russia’s Penza region during an overnight long-range strike, targeting a defense enterprise that manufactures components for Kh-101 cruise missiles, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed on July 1.

According to the General Staff, the strike hit the facility, with impacts and smoke recorded on the site. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.

The General Staff said NIIFI is one of Russia’s leading manufacturers of aerospace, aviation, and military instrumentation. The institute, which is part of the Russian Space Systems holding under the Roscosmos state corporation, produces sensors for Kh-101, Kalibr, and Iskander missiles, components for onboard systems used in Su-34, Su-35, and Tu-95MS aircraft, as well as equipment for Russian military satellites.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later confirmed the strike, describing the facility as a strategic part of Russia’s defense-industrial base located about 600 kilometers behind the frontline.

“Our weapons also reached a strategic facility of the Russian defense-industrial complex in the Penza region that develops and manufactures components for missile weapons used by the occupiers to strike our cities and communities,” Zelenskyy said.

Earlier on July 1, videos circulating on Russian social media showed explosions and a fire in Penza following a drone attack. Footage published by monitoring project Exilenova+ showed smoke rising above the industrial area.

Penza regional governor Oleg Melnychenko acknowledged the attack but did not confirm a strike on the defense facility. He said drone debris damaged power transmission lines and an unfinished building.

The strike comes amid a 40-day strategic operation approved by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine to increase pressure on Russia to end its war. The campaign focuses on sustained long-range strikes against military, defense-industrial, logistics, and energy infrastructure supporting Russia’s war effort.

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