Ukraine’s Neptunes Go After the Electronics Behind Russia’s Iskander Missiles

Ukraine struck a Russian defense electronics factory in the city of Oryol with domestically developed Neptune cruise missiles overnight on November 7, targeting a facility that manufactures components for Russian cruise and ballistic missiles.

According to Ukraine’s General Staff on November 7, Ukrainian forces used coastal Neptune missile systems to strike the Proton-Electrotex plant in the Oryol region. The military confirmed that the missiles hit the facility, triggering a fire and explosions. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Proton-Electrotex specializes in optoelectronic equipment and electronic components, operating a complete production cycle from semiconductor crystal manufacturing to finished electronic devices.

The facility produces components used in Russian missile systems, including modules for Kover air-launched cruise missiles and inverter switches for the 9M723 ballistic missile deployed by Russia’s Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system.

Ukraine’s Navy also confirmed the strike, stating that Neptune cruise missiles were used to target the facility. Videos circulated on Russian social media showed a large fire reportedly burning at the facility following the attack.

Originally developed as an anti-ship weapon, Ukraine’s Neptune missile has since been adapted for strikes against land-based targets, expanding its use against Russian military infrastructure and defense industry facilities.

The latest strike follows a series of Ukrainian attacks on Russian military infrastructure in October. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense on November 3, Ukrainian forces struck at least 30 military and strategic facilities across Russia, including the Proton-Electrotex plant.

The ministry reported that the earlier attack destroyed the facility’s main microchip production workshop and damaged another building and servers.

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