A russian drone manufacturing facility in Taganrog has reportedly sustained severe damage following a recent strike carried out by Ukraine's Security Service in coordination with the Ukrainian Navy. The attack may have completely halted the production of Molniya unmanned aerial vehicles at the site.
Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk stated that the damage to the facility was extensive. He noted that the plant was a key production location for russian kamikaze-type drones, particularly the Molniya series, which have been increasingly used in recent months.
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Dmytro Pletenchuk emphasized that russia is currently relying heavily on large numbers of strike drones, both on the battlefield and for attacks against Ukrainian cities. The Taganrog facility reportedly housed a newly established production workshop dedicated specifically to manufacturing Molniya UAVs, making it a high-priority target.
According to the Navy spokesperson, Molniya drones have become a serious operational and security challenge for Ukraine. Russian forces have used them not only near the front line but also for strikes deep into Ukrainian territory, with some drones reportedly reaching as far as Mykolaiv.
Given this threat, Ukrainian forces moved to "address the problem" directly by targeting the source of production. Dmytro Pletenchuk noted that the operation involved the use of missiles that are exclusively in service with the Ukrainian Navy, underscoring the role of naval strike capabilities in long-range operations.
The strike reportedly resulted in the near-total destruction of the plant's buildings. Dmytro Pletenchuk remarked with irony that the production workshop had been "slightly modernized", implying that the facility was effectively demolished and rendered unusable.
If confirmed, the shutdown of Molniya drone production would represent a significant disruption to russia's strike drone supply chain. Such an outcome could temporarily reduce the volume of UAV attacks and force russia to relocate production or rely on existing stockpiles.
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