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On March 16 and 17, the Armed Forces of Ukraine hit two important Russian defense industry facilities: the Aviastar factory in Ulyanovsk Oblast and the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa, Novgorod Oblast. This was reported by the General Staff and the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces.
Aviastar factory strike
The Ukrainian forces targeted the Aviastar aviation plant in Ulyanovsk Oblast, which produces military transport aircraft such as the Il-76MD-90A, tanker aircraft Il-78M-90A, and services the remaining An-124 “Ruslan” aircraft in Russia.
“Preliminary information indicates that aircraft shelters and parking areas were hit. Some aircraft on the premises suffered damage of varying degrees. The full extent of the damage is being clarified,” the report said.
123rd Aircraft Repair Plant strike
Ukrainian unmanned system operators also struck the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa, which restores Russian aircraft.
“This is a unique facility in Russia, providing full-cycle repair and modernization of heavy transport aircraft including Il-76, Il-78, L-410, as well as aviation engines such as D-30KP, AI-20, and other components,” the statement said.
The plant has its own airfield, infrastructure, and autonomous production capabilities. It participates in Russia’s state defense orders and export contracts, including import-substitution programs.
“Hitting such facilities directly affects the enemy’s ability to restore aircraft and maintain their combat readiness,” the Unmanned Systems Forces added.
Other Ukrainian strikes
On the night of March 18, long-range drones of the Special Operations Forces struck the secret Russian drone technology center “Rubikon” in occupied Donetsk, with video footage circulating online.
On March 16 and during the night of March 17, Ukrainian forces targeted Russian military positions, hitting critical targets both in Russia and on temporarily occupied territories, including air defense systems, concentration points, UAV control stations, and more.
Earlier, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces struck Iskander missile systems intended for attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian Flamingo missiles also hit one of the largest Russian ammunition depots.
