The russian Ministry of Defense shared its account of the ATACMS strike on military facilities in Taganrog. In a contradictory statement, they first alleged that fragments of six ATACMS missiles struck the airfield, causing personnel casualties.
Later, they claimed there was no damage while promising retaliation for the strike.
Read more: ATACMS Wreckage Found Near Taganrog Aircraft Factory Producing A-50, Tu-142, and Orion UCAVs
Despite the paradoxical nature of this statement, it adds intrigue to the narrative of this historic attack, hinting at key details.
Taganrog hosts two airfields:
1. Taganrog-Yuzhny: Located near the Beriev Aircraft Company, responsible for maintaining A-50 airborne early warning planes.
2. Taganrog-Central: Associated with the 325th Aircraft Repair Plant, which housed Su-25 jets in 2022 and recently received Ka-52 and Mi-8 helicopters.
Reports suggest that Taganrog-Yuzhny was previously targeted in March 2022 by a Tochka-U missile strike, underscoring its strategic importance.
The Ministry’s vague statement leaves uncertainty over which airfield was hit. However, their threat of retaliation implies significant damage. This raises the possibility of ATACMS targeting high-value aviation assets or infrastructure linked to russian military operations.
Importantly, the russians indirectly acknowledged their air defense's failure to intercept the missiles. They also concealed the full impact of the strikes, only admitting personnel losses they could not hide.
The attack might have targeted the Beriev Taganrog Aviation Scientific Technical Complex or the 325th Aircraft Repair Plant, suggesting a comprehensive operation. This could mark a significant milestone, as it highlights ATACMS' ability to suppress russian frontline and tactical aviation effectively.
Read more: Ukraine Strikes Aircraft Factory in Taganrog and the Druzhba Oil Pipe in Bryansk
