Ukrainian long-range drones struck deep inside Russian territory overnight, hitting defense production facilities in the city of Izhevsk, according to both Ukrainian sources and regional officials in Russia.
The target was the Kupol plant, known for manufacturing Tor air defense systems and components linked to the Russian adaptation of the Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone, referred to domestically as the Harpy-A1.
The attack, described by observers as a sustained multi-hour drone offensive, reportedly involved Ukrainian AN-196 “Liutyi” (Fierce) strike drones. Video footage shared by local residents appears to capture direct hits on the facility and the subsequent outbreak of fire.
In a post on his Telegram channel, Alexander Brechalov, the head of Russia’s Udmurt Republic, confirmed that one of the industrial sites in Izhevsk had been attacked. While he did not name the specific facility, sources familiar with the situation have pointed to the Kupol plant as the apparent target.
The Kupol plant, a longtime supplier of mobile short-range air defense systems, has been increasingly involved in the integration and production of Shahed-type drones under Russian nomenclature. The Harpy-A1, Russia’s version of the Iranian loitering munition, has been used widely in air raids against Ukrainian infrastructure and battlefield positions.
The assault on Izhevsk, located more than 1,000 kilometers from Ukraine’s border, highlights the growing reach of Ukraine’s unmanned aerial strike capability. The incident comes amid an expanding campaign by Kyiv to degrade Russia’s domestic weapons production infrastructure—especially factories tied to the war effort.
Separately, residents of Saratov and Engels, cities in Russia’s Saratov region, reported explosions and air raid sirens early on July 1. Local Telegram channels described loud detonations, while independent outlet Astra cited residents who said that air traffic was suspended at Saratov airport following the incident.
According to Russian media and regional authorities, drone alerts were also issued in multiple areas. Four Russian airports—Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Kazan, and Nizhnekamsk—temporarily halted operations due to the threat of additional drone strikes.
Yuriy Slyusar, the acting governor of Rostov region, stated that air defenses engaged multiple targets across a wide area overnight. “UAVs were reportedly intercepted over Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog, Novoshakhtinsk, and the Millerovsky, Myasnikovsky, Aksaysky, Neklinovsky, and Matveyevo-Kurgansky districts,” he said in a morning statement.
He added that, according to preliminary information, no casualties were reported. However, disruptions to civil aviation and industrial operations continued through the morning, reflecting growing pressure on Russia’s internal defense posture.
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