Destroyed factory manufacturing gunpowder for Gradov and Smerchay rockets reported by CPD
Ukrainian Drone Attacks Strike Heart of Russia's Military-Industrial Complex
Recent drone attacks have targeted critical facilities within Russia's military-industrial complex, causing significant disruptions to the country's defence production capabilities. The Nevinomyssk Nitrogen Plant in the Stavropol Krai and the Kotovsky Powder Plant in the Tambov region were amongst the facilities hit.
The Nevinomyssk Nitrogen Plant, a major producer of nitrogen fertilizers and ammonia, is part of the Euro Chem group and has been under attack multiple times in recent months. The latest assault led to a suspension of operations in June. This plant is strategically important as it supplies nitric acid used at other plants such as the Swedlloff plant in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Nitric acid is a critical chemical for producing oxygen and hexogen, both essential components in artillery shell manufacturing.
The Kotovsky Powder Plant, one of the oldest enterprises in the Russian military-industrial complex, produces powders for small arms, artillery, Grad rockets, aviation, and rocket systems. It is a vital supplier for dozens of defence enterprises. The plant also produces nitric acid and ammonium nitrate, key components in the production of explosives.
The head of the Anti-Disinformation Center, Andrey Kovalevko, reported the attacks on these facilities on Telegram. The Kotovsky Powder Plant, which was not previously mentioned as a target of the drone attacks, was hit during the assault in the Tambov region. No information is available regarding any casualties or damage caused to the plants.
The attacks on these facilities represent a strategic effort to degrade the operational capabilities and sustainment of the Russian armed forces. The Signal radio electronics plant in Stavropol, which produces electronic warfare and radio navigation equipment central to Russia’s military systems, was also targeted in a separate drone raid.
Without the Kotovsky Powder Plant, the production of 'Grad' and 'Smerch' rockets would not occur. These strikes aim to limit Moscow's ability to continue its war efforts effectively. The Nevinomyssk Nitrogen Plant and the Kotovsky Powder Plant are critical nodes in Russia’s military-industrial complex due to their roles in supplying key materials for ammunition and explosives production.
- The drone attacks have impacted various sectors beyond defense, reaching industries like finance, energy, and general news due to the critical materials affected, such as nitric acid, which is used not only in defense production but also in fertilizer production, contributing to global supply chains.
- Politics plays a crucial role in the ongoing conflict, as the disruption to the Kotovsky Powder Plant, a significant producer of key components for explosives, could potentially limit Russia's ability to wage war-and-conflicts effectively, impacting international relations.
- The recent attacks have shown that the Russian military-industrial complex, which includes entities like the Nevinomyssk Nitrogen Plant and the Kotovsky Powder Plant, is vulnerable to targeted assaults, jeopardizing not only national security but also the country's position in the global finance and energy markets.
