A drone strike has reportedly targeted the Votkinsk plant in Udmurtia, Russia, which is known for producing Iskander missiles and other military equipment. Local sources, including Telegram channels, confirmed the incident, indicating that the attack occurred during the evening hours.
According to the OSINT analysis by Astra, the strike caused significant damage to the facility. Video footage shared online shows flames and smoke rising from the plant, captured from approximately half a kilometer away from the site of the fire. Residents in local chat groups have mentioned that workshops 22 and 36 sustained damage during the attack.
Udmurtia’s governor, Alexander Brechalov, confirmed the drone strike shortly after midnight on February 21, stating, “One of the facilities in the republic was attacked by drones from the Kyiv regime. Preliminary reports indicate there are damages and injuries.” This statement aligns with the information circulating on social media platforms.
In addition to the attack, the Russian aviation authority announced the temporary suspension of operations at several airports, including those in Izhevsk, the capital of Udmurtia. This disruption suggests heightened security measures in response to the incident.
The Votkinsk plant is a key strategic defense enterprise in Russia, producing missiles like the Iskander-M and Topol-M. It is currently under sanctions imposed by multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, among others. Notably, the distance from Votkinsk to the Ukrainian border is nearly 1,500 kilometers.
This is not the first incident involving the plant; in August 2023, an explosion occurred in workshop 95, damaging a section where missiles were assembled for deployment in the conflict in Ukraine. The cause was attributed to equipment malfunction.
Earlier this summer, drones also targeted the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant, which is a major manufacturer of air defense systems for the Russian military.
A drone attack on the Votkinsk plant in Udmurtia has resulted in damage and injuries, according to local authorities. This facility is critical for Russia's missile production and has been previously targeted amid ongoing tensions in the region.