Ukraine’s military said it struck two Russian aircraft-related facilities in separate overnight attacks, targeting infrastructure linked to Moscow’s defense industry.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) said in a Telegram update on March 1 that Ukrainian forces hit the Aviastar aircraft plant in Russia’s Ulyanovsk region.
According to the statement, the facility produces Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft and Il-78M-90A refueling planes, and services An-124 heavy transport aircraft.
Preliminary information indicates that a climate-controlled hangar and aircraft parking areas were hit, with several aircraft reportedly damaged, the General Staff said.
Aviation repair plant hit in Novgorod region
In a separate strike on Tuesday, Ukrainian forces targeted the 123rd aircraft repair plant in Staraya Russa in Russia’s Novgorod region, according to the General Staff.
The facility specializes in the repair and modernization of military transport aircraft and has its own runway capable of receiving heavy aircraft.
According to the statement, a maintenance hangar for Il-76 and L-410 aircraft was hit.
The extent of the damage in both strikes is still being clarified.
Previous reports on Novgorod facility
Previous media reports had identified the Staraya Russa plant as a major hub for servicing military transport aircraft.
According to Astra, citing local Telegram channels, drones earlier struck an aircraft repair facility in the area, though there was no official confirmation at the time.
The plant describes itself as a key enterprise providing a full cycle of aircraft repair for both military and civilian aviation.
Other reports, including from Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+, said the facility services Il-76, Il-78 and L-410 aircraft, as well as engines and other aviation components.
Russian aviation monitoring channels have also claimed the plant may house A-50 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, though this has not been independently verified.
Ukraine has not officially confirmed involvement in those earlier reported strikes.