Ukrainian long-range strike drones hit targets overnight at the Smolensk Aircraft Plant (SmAZ), Russia’s major producer of air-launched precision-guided munitions.
According to Ukrainian defense sources, the attack was carried out by long-range unmanned aerial vehicles operated by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
The strike reportedly targeted facilities within the Smolensk Aircraft Plant complex, which is operated by the Tactical Missiles Corporation, disrupting operations linked to the assembly of several Russian air-launched missile types.
SmAZ, located in the city of Smolensk, plays a central role in the manufacturing and assembly of components for Russia’s Kh-101 cruise missile, as well as for the Kh-59M2 (and its upgraded M2A variant) and the Kh-58UShK anti-radiation missile. These weapons are among the primary precision-guided systems used by the Russian Air Force in its ongoing attacks against Ukraine.
The Kh-101, in particular, is Russia’s long-range, air-launched cruise missile capable of carrying either a conventional or nuclear warhead, with a range of over 2,000 kilometers. The missile has been a mainstay of Russian strategic aviation strikes throughout the war, frequently launched from Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers operating from airfields deep within Russian territory.
The Kh-59M2 and Kh-59M2A are tactical air-to-surface missiles designed for precision strikes against fortified targets, while the Kh-58UShK is used to suppress enemy air defenses by homing in on radar emissions. The Smolensk plant is understood to handle the production and assembly of airframe sections and integration of guidance systems for these munitions.
Ukrainian officials have not disclosed operational details of the strike, including the number or type of drones used, but emphasized that the target selection focused on industrial sites directly supporting Russia’s missile production network. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have repeatedly stated that such strikes are aimed at degrading Russia’s ability to sustain its missile campaign and are conducted within the framework of defensive operations.
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