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Ukraine: Attacks on Critical Aviation Infrastructure in Russia

Published March 18, 2026, 20:12
Ukraine: Attacks on Critical Aviation Infrastructure in Russia

Ukrainian forces launched attacks on two Russian aircraft manufacturing and maintenance plants in Ulyanovsk and Novgorod. The Aviastar plant in Ulyanovsk, a subsidiary of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), manufactures Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A and Ilyushin Il-78M-90A military transport aircraft, and also provides maintenance for Antonov An-124 Ruslan commercial aircraft. The attack in Ulyanovsk, on March 16, damaged hangars and parking areas, as well as some aircraft. The second attack, on March 17, targeted the 123rd Aircraft Repair Unit in Novgorod, which provides repair and modernization services for Ilyushin Il-76, Ilyushin Il-78 and L-410 transport aircraft. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, these attacks aim to limit Russia's ability to repair and maintain its aircraft in operational readiness. The attack in Novgorod damaged a hangar where work was being carried out on Ilyushin Il-76 and L-410 aircraft. The Ukrainian armed forces state that strikes on these targets are critical to weakening Russia's air capabilities, as they limit the ability to maintain and repair aircraft.