Ukraine Strikes Deep: Bomber Factory Hit Over 600 Miles Inside Russia

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine confirmed that on Wednesday, April 17, it attacked a Russian aircraft factory. Defense Express highlights two key points regarding this assault – the factory's location over 620 miles from the Ukrainian border and its production of Tu-22M and Tu-160M bombers.

As of now, neither Ukrainian nor Russian officials have disclosed the outcome of the attack on the Kazan Aircraft Plant. Nonetheless, Defense Express points out the significance of the factory's distant location, demonstrating Ukraine's capability to strike targets far beyond its borders.

Another crucial aspect is the attack's symbolic importance. Defense Express notes that President Putin used the Kazan factory as a backdrop for a propaganda event in February 2024, underscoring its value to Russia, especially as a production site for critical military bombers, the Tu-22M3 and Tu-160M.

Ukraine's military arsenal continually expands, introducing new or advanced weapons regularly. In early April, the Ukrainian forces received Falcon-300 drones. With a range of up to 1864 miles, they can easily reach the Russian city of Kazan. Ukraine also has Beaver drones, capable of flying up to 620 miles.

The significance of this recent attack lies in its targeting of a facility that manufactures bombers used by Russia to attack Ukraine, specifically the Tu-22M3 and Tu-160M. The Tu-22M3, exceeding 138 feet in length and with a wingspan of around 148 feet, can reach speeds of 1430 mph and operate up to 59,000 feet high. Its range extends to 4349 miles and can carry up to 26.4 tons of armaments.

The Tu-160M, affectionately called "White Swan" by pilots, is a 180-foot aircraft with a wingspan of over 114 feet. Introduced in 2022, it can carry up to 28.8 tons of ammunition and reach speeds of 1367 mph. The Tu-160M version features enhanced capabilities, including modern electronic warfare systems.