For a russian aircraft to drop a bomb or a missile to find its target, the enemy has to coordinate these actions: reconnoitre targets, and detect and track aircraft and cruise missiles at ranges of hundreds of kilometres. This work is performed, in particular, by the A-50, russia’s “flying radar”. One such aircraft costs about USD 350 million, and the aggressor state has only a few left in operational condition. For russia, every airframe is worth its weight in gold. They are repaired at a special location.
That location is the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa, Novgorod Oblast, russia. The plant has its own runway, so heavy aircraft land directly on its premises. It repairs, upgrades and maintains the military transport aircraft the russian army uses to move troops and cargo, as well as A-50 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
The Defence Forces have “paid a visit” here before. In March 2026, an A-50 that was at the plant for maintenance, and possibly awaiting an upgrade, was damaged.
During the night of 10 November, the aggressor was hit again. Explosions were heard on the plant’s premises, followed by a fire. The extent of the damage is being clarified. But the main point is already clear: such strikes mean that russian transport and special-mission aircraft will spend longer on the ground, and it will become increasingly difficult for the enemy to restore them.
The Defence Forces of Ukraine, exercising the right of self-defence guaranteed by Article 51 of the UN Charter, continue to systematically undermine the military and economic potential of the russian aggressor and compel russia to cease its armed aggression against Ukraine.
To be continued 💥
Glory to Ukraine! 🇺🇦
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