Ukraine strikes key bomber factory in Russia
6:51 AM EDT, April 18, 2024
Ukrainian intelligence drones targeted a bomber factory in Tatarstan, Russia, known for manufacturing and repairing Tu-22M and Tu-160M aircraft, according to reports from RBK-Ukraine. Footage released by the media shows workers evacuating the facility amid the blaring of alarm sirens. Authorities have activated a "carpet plan" in response.
The drone strike occurred on April 17. Sources in contact with the RBK-Ukraine news outlet revealed that the drones hit the Gorbunov aircraft factory in Kazan. Local media reported alarm sirens sounding several minutes before the drone attack, prompting the evacuation of the workforce.
Authorities activate a "carpet plan"
An adjacent refinery was evacuated, and civilian airports in Nizhnekamsk and Kazan halted operations due to the authorities' activation of the "carpet plan".
The "carpet plan" is triggered in situations involving "illegal border crossings or the detection of unidentified objects in the airspace". It mandates the immediate grounding or rerouting of all civilian aircraft, except for military and rescue flights.
Russia's response to the attacks
The Russian Ministry of Defense asserts that all attacking drones were intercepted and destroyed. The TSN channel has released a compilation of videos, uploaded by Russian sources, showing smoke billowing from the facility.
The strategic bombers, Tu-22M and Tu-160M, pose a significant threat to Ukraine. Vladimir Putin uses these aircraft for extensive assaults on Ukrainian targets. The targeted facilities in Kazan are integral to the Tupolev Russian Aviation Design Bureau & Aircrafts holding.
