Drones Likely Hit Russian Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa

Ukrainian drones likely attacked Russia's 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa, in Novgorod Oblast in north-western Russia, overnight on 10 November, according to the Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+. The plant services Russian air force Il-76 transport aircraft and Il-78 refueling tankers, and drones had already hit it in March. Ukraine's General Staff has not commented on the attack.

What is known about the strike

The Ukrainian channel Krymsky Veter said drones hit the plant and started a fire, though the consequences were still unknown. The monitoring channel Supernova+ posted video and reports of fire trucks heading toward the facility.

Novgorod Oblast Governor Aleksandr Dronov claimed air defenses repelled a "massive" drone attack. He admitted that an "industrial facility" was damaged but did not name it. Drone debris damaged two dacha houses, and nobody was hurt. Russia's Defense Ministry said it downed 155 drones overnight over eight regions and occupied Crimea.

A repeat target

Staraya Russa lies about 640 km from the Ukrainian border. The plant also repairs L-410 light transports and aircraft engines. In the 17 March attack, drones hit hangars for Il-76 aircraft, and Ukraine's General Staff reported confirmed damage to an A-50 early warning plane.

Over the past year, Ukraine's long-range drones have also struck factories that make parts for Russian warplanes. Russia flies a largely Soviet-era fleet that is hard to replace. Leaked Russian documents showed that 143 of its 368 military Antonovs needed repair.

Other overnight incidents

In occupied Sevastopol, residents heard explosions near Kamyshova and Kazachya bays and Cape Fiolent before dawn. Russian occupation head Mikhail Razvozhaev claimed eight drones were downed. In Arkhangelsk Oblast, a span of a railway bridge over the Viled River collapsed and derailed freight train cars. No one was hurt and no cause was named. Sabotage is being considered, but this remains unconfirmed.