Ukraine targets Russian drone production and ammo storage

Saturday 17 January 2026 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Ukraine targets Russian drone production and ammo storage

Ukrainian forces conducted targeted strikes on vital Russian military sites, demolishing key areas at the Atlant Aero drone factory in Taganrog and a munitions stockpile linked to Russia's elite 76th Guards Airborne Division in occupied southern Ukraine. These operations highlight Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt enemy logistics and manufacturing amid the protracted conflict.

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces verified the January 16 report, detailing the January 12-13 nighttime assault on Atlant Aero that razed the final assembly workshop for drones, two production facilities, and the administrative building. This plant managed the entire lifecycle from design to testing of Molniya attack and reconnaissance drones, plus parts for the Russian Orion UAVs widely deployed in combat. A joint mission by the Ukrainian Navy and the SBU's Alpha special operations center employed domestically produced missiles, inflicting severe damage that likely halted Molniya output at the site, according to Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk. Satellite imagery from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on January 14 corroborated the destruction of multiple structures, including a new 2025 build.

The low-cost, fixed-wing Molniya loitering munition has become a frontline staple for Russian forces, posing persistent threats along the contact line and even reaching distant areas like Mykolaiv, as noted by Ukrainska Pravda. Analysts note the challenge in fully crippling its production due to dispersed assembly sites for this simple design. Meanwhile, on January 16 night, Ukrainian strikes hit the 76th Division's ammo depot near Prymorsk in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, scoring a direct hit with damage assessments ongoing. Located on the Sea of Azov coast about 90 km from the front, Prymorsk supports operations by the Pskov-based division, active recently around Pokrovsk.

These coordinated hits align with Ukraine's systematic campaign to erode Russia's offensive capabilities and military-economic base, as stated by the General Staff. By targeting drone factories and supply depots, Kyiv aims to mitigate the asymmetric drone warfare advantage Moscow holds.