Russia Bombs Nearly Finished Bayraktar Drone Factory in Kyiv, Stalling Ukraine’s TB2 Production Plans

Russia has reportedly struck the nearly completed Baykar drone factory near Kyiv with two missiles, heavily damaging a facility that was just months away from launching production of Turkish-designed Bayraktar TB2 drones. The strike, which occurred during the night of August 27–28, marked the fourth attack on the site in six months and has been described as a major setback for Ukraine’s defense industry ambitions.

A Blow to Ukraine’s Drone Plans

The plant, under construction since early 2024 after a 2022 agreement between Ukraine and Türkiye, was designed to produce up to 120 Bayraktar TB2 drones annually and employ around 500 people. Kyiv had hoped to start production in 2025, ensuring a steady supply of drones crucial to its war effort. With the facility now badly damaged, those plans face indefinite delays.

Local officials confirmed that two missiles directly struck the site, causing serious damage to key production areas. While Ukrainian engineers are assessing the scale of the destruction, the extent of repair needed and a revised launch timeline have not yet been made public.

Symbolic and Strategic Target

The Baykar drone project was not only vital for Ukraine’s military capabilities but also carried significant political weight. Baykar is led by Selçuk Bayraktar, the company’s chief technology officer and the son-in-law of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Türkiye has played a delicate balancing act during the war, supplying Kyiv with drones while also maintaining close ties with Moscow.

Analysts suggest that striking the facility sends a clear message to Ankara, as the project symbolized a deepening Ukraine–Türkiye defense partnership. By halting its launch, Moscow has effectively disrupted a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience and international cooperation.

Wider Russian Attack

The missile strike on the Baykar plant was part of a larger Russian wave of missiles and drones that targeted Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities the same night. While Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many incoming weapons, several slipped through, causing damage to industrial and critical infrastructure.

The Role of Bayraktar TB2

The Bayraktar TB2 gained global recognition in the early stages of the war in 2022, when Ukrainian forces used it to strike Russian armor, artillery, and supply lines. Although Russia has since adapted its defenses, the TB2 remains an important part of Ukraine’s arsenal. Local production would have reduced Kyiv’s reliance on external supply chains and bolstered its capacity for long-term sustainment.

What Comes Next

The destruction of the factory represents more than just a physical loss. It delays Ukraine’s hopes of domestic drone production, potentially tests relations with Türkiye, and highlights the vulnerability of critical defense infrastructure to Russia’s long-range strikes.

For now, the Baykar project’s future in Ukraine hangs in uncertainty, with officials weighing whether reconstruction is possible under ongoing missile threats—or if drone production will need to remain abroad.