Ukrainian drones, operated by the SBU’s Alpha special forces, successfully struck the Redkino Experimental Plant in Tver Oblast, a facility crucial for manufacturing fuel components for Russian Kh-55 and Kh-101 cruise missiles. The strike, which reportedly caused a large fire, targeted the plant’s production of Decilin-M rocket fuel and other fuel additives. This operation is part of a broader Ukrainian effort to systematically disrupt Russia’s military-industrial complex and diminish its capacity for missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Read More
On January 4, a fire erupted at Russia’s Energia defense plant in Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, following a reported Ukrainian drone attack. The Energia factory is a critical production site, manufacturing components like batteries for Russian missiles and drones, including the Iskander ballistic missile system. Eyewitness accounts and video footage shared on social media depict smoke rising from the facility. While Russian authorities have yet to comment, the plant has been previously targeted by Ukrainian forces, and is known to produce essential components for various Russian defense and state agencies.
Read More
To bolster its defense capabilities, Ukraine announced plans to significantly increase domestic production of long-range drones and missiles, aiming for at least 30,000 drones and 3,000 cruise missiles/hybrids next year. This initiative, supported by recent U.S. aid, is intended to offset artillery shortages and counter Russian drone attacks. Development includes the domestically produced Palianytsia missile-drone, already deployed against Russia, and a new technology center will support this effort. This surge in domestic production comes as Ukraine seeks to expand its long-range capabilities while Western arms supplies remain subject to restrictions.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker