Ukrainian forces struck a major Russian microelectronics factory in Bryansk with Storm Shadow cruise missile air-launched missiles, damaging a facility that produces critical components for Russia’s missile systems, Ukraine’s military said.
Ukraine’s General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the strike on the Kremniy El Group plant, describing it as part of a broader campaign to reduce Russia’s military-industrial capacity.
“Kremniy El is a critically important link in the chain of production of Russian ‘high-precision’ weapons,” the General Staff said in a statement.
“The plant specializes in discrete semiconductor devices and integrated microchips that serve as the ‘brains’ and ‘nervous system’ of modern weapons.”
The factory produces components used in Russian weapons systems including the Iskander missile system, according to the Ukrainian military.
The General Staff said the target was successfully hit and that “significant damage” to production facilities had been recorded. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Bryansk regional governor Alexander Bogomaz said 6 people were killed and 37 injured in the strike.
Videos circulating on social media showed multiple explosions and a massive plume of smoke rising over the industrial site. Open-source analysts said several missiles appeared to have hit the facility, including at least one strike on an assembly workshop.
The strike was also confirmed by Ukraine’s military leadership. President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, said the operation targeted a plant producing control systems for Russian missiles.
“The operation was successful. The Bryansk factory that produces control systems for all types of Russian missiles was hit,” Zelensky said.
Dashcam footage shared online appears to show one missile striking a roadway near the plant, hitting a passing car before additional impacts are seen at the industrial complex. Passengers in a nearby minibus can be heard shouting as the driver quickly turns away from the area.
Founded in 1958, Kremniy El is one of Russia’s largest microelectronics producers, manufacturing more than 1,200 types of electronic components used in missile systems, air defense platforms, drones, radar systems and electronic warfare equipment.
According to open sources and Russian regional authorities, more than 90% of the plant’s output is supplied to Russia’s defense industry.
Its components are used in weapons systems including the Pantsir air defense system, Topol-M missile system, Bulava missile, as well as the S-300 air defense system and S-400 air defense system.
The plant has previously been targeted by Ukraine. Drones struck the facility in April 2025, causing a large fire, and another drone raid in January last year damaged production buildings and temporarily halted operations.
Bryansk lies about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the Ukrainian border and has repeatedly been targeted by Ukrainian drone and missile strikes since Russia’s full-scale invasion.