Russian Su-25 Jet Factory in Flames After Massive Drone Strike

A fire was reported at a factory that produces Su-25 ground attack aircraft in Russia’s Smolensk region, shortly after Ukraine launched a massive drone strike on Tuesday morning.

Newsweek reached out to Russia’s Foreign Ministry for comment via email on Tuesday.

Why It Matters

The drone barrage is reported to have targeted the Smolensk Aviation Plant, which produces the Soviet-designed Su-25 ground attack aircraft, as well as Kh-55 and Kh-59 missiles. These are used by Russia’s military to strike Ukraine in the ongoing war.

Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has sought to strike facilities in Russia that play a role in facilitating the country’s war efforts. These targets include airfields, military plants, ammunition depots and warehouses, and oil hubs and refineries.

What To Know

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, said the attack struck the Smolensk Aviation Plant. He highlighted its links to Russia’s Defense Ministry, saying that it supplies parts for Russian aircraft.

The ASTRA Telegram channel, a project run by independent Russian journalists, said a fire broke out at the aircraft plant after Ukraine’s drone attack. It published footage that purportedly shows the blaze. Newsweek couldn’t independently verify when or where the video was filmed.

What People Are Saying

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, said on Telegram on Tuesday: “The Smolensk Aviation Plant was attacked. It is involved in the production and modernization of military aircraft, in particular the Su-25 attack aircraft.

“It also provides overhaul and maintenance of aviation equipment, which allows the Russian Federation to maintain the combat capability of outdated aircraft models,” Kovalenko added.

“This plant is closely connected with other businesses of the Russian defense industrial base, supplying components or involved in collaboration to create modern aircraft systems. Every strike on such a plant would destroy Russia’s ability to maintain its own aviation in a combat-ready state.”

Vasily Anokhin, governor of Smolensk, said on Telegram on Tuesday: “The Air Defense Forces of the Russian Defense Ministry have thwarted an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out an attack using unmanned aerial vehicles on objects in the Smolensk region. According to preliminary information from the regional Ministry of Health, there are no casualties.

“Roof fires were noted on the ground and on the roofs of individual buildings as a result of falling drone debris. Windows of residential buildings were also damaged. Emergency services are working at the scene of the incidents.”

What Happens Next?

Kyiv will continue to target military sites on Russian soil. Ukraine and Russia are both pushing to make battlefield gains ahead of potential peace talks that could be brokered during U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House.