Ukraine has launched a drone strike against a Russian military-industrial complex in Cheboksary, Chuvash Republic, which produces critical components for Russia’s high-precision weaponry, including the Shahed-type drones and Iskander-K cruise missiles. The attack, confirmed by Ukraine’s General Staff, targets the VNIIR-Progress institute, which specializes in electronic warfare systems and has been sanctioned by the U.S. and EU for its role in supporting Russia’s war effort.
The facility, located 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) from the Ukrainian border, is known for developing the Kometa adaptive antenna arrays, which are essential for the operation of the Shahed-type drones and Iskander-K cruise missiles. These systems are used to jam satellite, radio, and radar signals, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian territory.
The strike comes amid a surge in Russia’s use of drones and precision-guided missiles in its campaign against Ukraine. The Iskander-K missile, with a range of up to 500 kilometers, has been frequently used to target civilian areas, while the Shahed drones have become a central part of Moscow’s airstrike tactics due to their low cost and high payload. The General Staff has confirmed that Ukrainian weapons reached the target area, although damage assessments are ongoing.
Located on the Volga River, Cheboksary is the capital of the Chuvash Republic and lies deep within Russian territory. Russian independent media and local Telegram channels reported explosions in the city overnight, raising concerns about the potential impact on the region. Despite the attack, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down two drones over the area.
This marks the second known Ukrainian drone strike on VNIIR-Progress, with a previous incident occurring on June 9 when explosions and fires were reported at the facility. The U.S. and EU have sanctioned the institute for its role in supporting Russia’s war effort, underscoring the strategic importance of the target in the ongoing conflict.