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Two Critical Aviation Facilities in russia Hit by Ukraine, Including Aviastar Plant

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Production of the Il-76 aircraft at Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk
Production of the Il-76 aircraft at Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk

Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out strikes on two critical enterprises of russia's aviation industry on March 16 and 17, targeting the Aviastar aircraft plant in the Ulyanovsk region and the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa, Novgorod region

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Unmanned Systems Forces, the attacks were aimed at degrading russia's ability to produce, repair, and maintain military aircraft.

In particular, Ukrainian forces struck the Aviastar facility, a key enterprise responsible for manufacturing Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft and Il-78M-90A aerial refueling tankers, as well as servicing the remaining An-124 Ruslan aircraft in russian service.

Read more: russia Produced 7 Il-76MD-90A Aircraft in 2025, but This Is Clearly Not Enough to Form 4 New Regiments

"According to preliminary information, a climate-controlled hangar and aircraft parking areas were hit. Some aircraft on the premises sustained damage of varying degrees. The full extent of the damage is being clarified," the General Staff reported.

Il-76MD-90A aircraft

In a separate strike, operators of the Unmanned Systems Forces targeted the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa. This facility plays a crucial role in restoring and maintaining russian aviation equipment.

Described as a unique enterprise within russia, the plant provides a full cycle of repair and modernization for heavy transport aircraft, including Il-76, Il-78, and L-410, as well as aircraft engines such as the D-30KP and AI-20.

The facility operates its own airfield and infrastructure, allowing it to function autonomously. It is also involved in fulfilling state defense orders, export contracts, and import substitution programs for the russian military.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that strikes on such facilities directly affect russia's ability to restore damaged aircraft and maintain operational readiness.

Read more: ​Ukrainian SOF Strike russian S-400 System, Missile Command Post, and Ammo Depot in Night Raids Across Crimea and Zaporizhzhia (Video)