Ukrainian drones attack 123rd Aviation Plant in Russia, fire reported
Ukrainian forces attacked the 123rd Aviation Repair Plant in Staraya Russa, Novgorod Region, overnight into November 10. Explosions were reported and a fire broke out at the site. The extent of the damage remains unconfirmed, while the plant repairs military transport aircraft and A-50 airborne early-warning and control aircraft.
Pontos principais
- The attack on the 123rd Aviation Repair Plant occurred overnight into November 10 in Staraya Russa, Novgorod Region.
- Explosions were reported at the plant, followed by a fire.
- The plant repairs Il-76, Il-78 and L-410 aircraft, aviation engines and A-50 airborne early-warning and control aircraft.
- A previous attack in March 2026 damaged an A-50 undergoing maintenance and left holes in an hangar roof.
- Each A-50 is estimated to cost about US$350 million, and only a few are reportedly operational in Russia.
- Novgorod Governor Alexander Dronov confirmed damage to one industrial facility but did not identify it; two country houses were also damaged by falling debris.
- Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 155 Ukrainian drones overnight across nine regions and occupied Crimea.
Por que importa
The plant supports military transport aircraft used to move troops and cargo, as well as A-50 aircraft used to detect and track aircraft and cruise missiles and coordinate Russian aviation operations. Only a few A-50s are reportedly operational in Russia, and each is estimated to cost around US$350 million. The November strike follows a March 2026 attack that damaged an A-50 undergoing maintenance. The enterprise is part of Rostec, fulfills a Russian state defense order and is sanctioned by the United States, European Union, Japan and other countries.
O que aconteceu
Ukrainian forces attacked the 123rd Aviation Repair Plant in Staraya Russa, approximately 60 kilometers south of Veliky Novgorod, overnight into November 10. Explosions were reported on the plant's grounds, followed by a fire. The scale of the damage to production buildings, maintenance hangars and aircraft remains unconfirmed. The facility has its own airfield or runway, allowing heavy aircraft to land directly on its territory for maintenance and servicing. It repairs and services Il-76, Il-78 and L-410 aircraft and aviation engines, as well as A-50 airborne early-warning and control aircraft.
O que dizem as fontes ucranianas
Ukrainian sources identify the 123th Aviation Repair Plant as the target and emphasize its role in maintaining Russian military transport aviation and A-50 aircraft. Reporting also focuses on the repeated strikes on the facility, the damage to an A-50 during the March attack and the limited number of operational A-50s remaining in Russia.
O que dizem as fontes internacionais
The provided set contains no international sources. The comparison is therefore limited to Ukrainian outlets citing Russian official statements and monitoring channels. Russia's official position, as relayed by those outlets, focused on a large-scale drone attack, damage to one industrial facility and the interception of 155 drones. Ukrainian monitoring channels and witnesses supplied reports about explosions, fires and the likely target, while Ukrainian military officials did not comment on the attack.
Onde as versões divergem
The Novgorod governor confirmed damage to one industrial facility without naming it, while Ukraine's General Staff said the 123rd Aviation Repair Plant was hit. Some reports state that the plant was attacked directly, while others say there was no official confirmation for that specific facility and describe it only as a likely target.
Contexto
The 123rd Aviation Plant is located in the Gorodok district of Staraya Russa, approximately 60 kilometers south of Veliky Novgorod. Its own airfield or runway allows heavy aircraft to land directly on the site. The plant repairs and services Il-76, Il-78 and L-410 aircraft, aviation engines and A-50 airborne early-warning and control aircraft. Ukrainian drones also attacked the Morozov Plant near Saint Petersburg overnight into November 9, damaging three production workshops. Russia's Defense Ministry said 155 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed overnight across nine Russian regions and occupied Crimea.