Drone Strike Hits Strategic Aircraft Repair Plant in Novgorod, Russia
On the night of 17 March 2026, drones targeted Russian territory, including a key aircraft repair plant in Novgorod Oblast. According to eyewitnesses and monitoring channels, explosions were reported at the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in the city of Staraya Russa.
The facility services and repairs military aircraft and is part of Russia’s defense-industrial complex. Reports indicate that two rare A-50 early warning and control aircraft, used by Russia to coordinate missile strikes against Ukraine, may have been present at the site.
Around 4 a.m. local time, residents heard a series of powerful explosions near the plant. Following the blasts, firefighting vehicles were observed moving toward the facility. Witnesses also reported the sound of aircraft engines, suggesting personnel were attempting to move surviving aircraft to hangars or the runway to protect them from further strikes.
Damage to the A-50 aircraft would represent a significant blow to Russian capabilities, as operational planes of this type are limited and each costs hundreds of millions of dollars. Losses could hinder Russia’s reconnaissance and command of air operations.
This strike follows Ukrainian attacks on Russian ammunition depots and drone control points, as well as drone strikes on ports and fuel tanks along the Russian Black Sea coast.
