The Ukrainian Defense Forces have struck key facilities of the aviation industry in Russia across two regions. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that strikes were carried out on aviation plants located in the Ulyanovsk and Novgorod regions.
This is reported by Finway
Damage to the Aviastar Plant in Ulyanovsk
On March 16, Ukrainian units attacked the infrastructure of the Aviastar aircraft manufacturing plant, which is located near the city of Ulyanovsk. This enterprise is part of the United Aircraft Corporation and the Rostec structure, playing a crucial role in the production of military transport aircraft Il-76MD-90A, refueling aircraft Il-78M-90A, as well as servicing heavy transport aircraft An-124 “Ruslan.”
“According to preliminary information, the climate shelter and aircraft parking areas were hit. Some aircraft on the premises sustained varying degrees of damage. The extent of the damage is being clarified,” the General Staff reports.
The authorities of the Ulyanovsk region of Russia stated that five drones were shot down over the region on March 16, emphasizing that there were no casualties. Local Telegram channels reported a temporary suspension of operations at the Aviastar plant and the Ulyanovsk-East airport.
Strike on the Aircraft Repair Plant in Novgorod Region
Additionally, the Ukrainian military command reported an attack on the facilities of the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in the city of Staraya Russa, Novgorod region, on March 17. The plant specializes in the repair and modernization of military transport aircraft and their components.
According to available information, the strike damaged a hangar for servicing Il-76 and L-410 aircraft. Local Telegram channels noted that a hit was recorded in the first workshop of the enterprise. The official Russian authorities did not report any damage; however, the governor of Novgorod region, Alexander Dronov, stated that air defense systems were active in the region on March 17.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by Russia, the territory of Russia itself has repeatedly been subjected to air attacks. In 2024 and 2025, the main targets remained oil refineries, although strikes were also carried out on facilities in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Most of these operations were confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which emphasized the systematic efforts to reduce the combat potential of Russian occupation forces and compel Russia to cease its aggression.
The Secretary of the Security Council of Russia and former Minister of Defense Sergey Shoigu acknowledged that due to the development of Ukrainian drone systems, no Russian region remains safe from attacks.