Defense News ,Russia & Ukrain War :- In a bold nighttime operation, Ukrainian drones targeted a Russian arms factory responsible for producing the Pantsir-S air defense system. The attack was reportedly carried out by the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine on the Shcheglovsky Val defense enterprise, as revealed by an insider source cited by Ukrinform.
The source emphasized that the strike on Shcheglovsky Val was a meticulously planned intelligence operation, highlighting the significance of the enterprise within Russia's military-industrial complex. Shcheglovsky Val is known for assembling the Pantsir-S and Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile defense systems, making it a strategic target for Ukraine.
Despite the absence of official comments from Ukraine regarding the attack and the extent of the damage inflicted, various Russian Telegram channels reported witnessing "loud explosions and fire" at the factory premises located in Tula. Additionally, Russian state-run TASS confirmed the incident, reporting the successful interception of a Ukrainian drone over the western Russian city by air defense systems.
The targeted factory not only produces the Pantsir mobile short-range air defense system but also manufactures various other air defense systems, guided weapons, cannons, and small arms.
In a simultaneous move, Ukrainian drones struck other strategic Russian targets, including a major gas export terminal near St Petersburg. The Novatek terminal in Ust-Luga experienced a fire following the attack, prompting the region's governor to declare a "high alert regime," according to BBC reports.
Novatek, the operator of the terminal, suspended its operations, attributing the fire to "external influence" without providing further details. Ukrainian military sources claimed that the fuel processed at the terminal was destined for Russian forces operating in Ukraine, emphasizing that the attack has "significantly complicated" logistics for the Russian military.
The daring nighttime operations underscore Ukraine's proactive approach in targeting key Russian defense and energy facilities, marking a strategic shift in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
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