Taganrog factory producing A-50 AEW&C was under attack

11 December, 2024 IL-38N maritime patrol, A-50 AEW&C and IL-76 aircrafts of the Chinese Air Force on the territory of the Taganrog Aviation Plant. Photo: Mil Sina In Taganrog, an aviation plant for the construction and repair of A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft was subjected to a combined attack.

The attack and damage to the industrial enterprise was reported by Yuri Slyusar, governor of the Rostov region. According to Russian propagandists, the city's industrial facilities were attacked with missiles and strike drones. In turn, local residents confirm the attack on the territory of the plant located on Tsiolkovsky Street, where, according to photos and videos, a fire broke out.

The attack took place at around 4 a.m., and some Russian news outlets reported that it was performed using ATACMS ballistic missiles and Palyanytsya drone-missiles. Before that, local residents reported strange sounds in the sky, followed by explosions.

Also, according to locals, the explosions caused problems with electricity and heating. It should be noted that the Taganrog Aviation Plant is one of the Russian enterprises certified to repair and modernize A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft. In addition to the radar aircraft, the plant also repairs IL-76 transport aircraft and IL-38 patrol aircraft, as well as modernizes and maintains aircraft for foreign users.

Satellite image of the Taganrog Aviation Plant and airfield.

Photo: Google Maps

Prior to this, the aircraft plant was attacked on March 9, 2024, when, according to Russian media, a significant number of drones attacked the territory of the enterprise, including the assembly hangar. At the time, it was reported that about 41 drones were targeting various military facilities in the city. According to local residents, they heard at least five explosions.

An analysis of the plant's territory using satellite imagery from March 9, 2024, confirmed that one of the hangars was damaged in the attack.

Satellite image of the Taganrog Aviation Plant, taken on March 9, 2024. Photo: Frontelligence Insight

Also, there are signs of arson on the roof of the hangar, indicating a fire. It should be noted that the attacked hangars were the final assembly site for the aircraft.

In early March 2024, Sergey Chemezov, head of Rostec, announced that the company would resume production of A-50 AEW&C aircraft.

According to him, the resumption of production is due to the need for these aircraft by the Russian Aerospace Forces, as well as the interest of foreign countries.

He noted that production will definitely resume, as the company has the appropriate capacity to produce both the radar station and the aircraft themselves.