Fire breaks out at UAV production plant in Russia's Taganrog after missile strike

Explosions were reported in the Russian city of Taganrog following a missile strike on the night of 18-19 April, after which a large fire broke out at an industrial facility.

Source: monitoring Telegram channels

Details: Early reports indicate that a large fire erupted at the scene of the strike after a series of powerful explosions. A tall column of thick black smoke rose into the sky above the city.

Local residents published footage of the fire, but there is currently no official information about the scale of the destruction or casualties.

Update: In the morning, Rostov Oblast Governor Yury Slyusar confirmed the missile strike and reported three people injured.

According to the independent Russian outlet ASTRA, the strike hit Atlant Aero, a plant specialising in the development and production of UAVs. In particular, the facility manufactures Molniya strike-reconnaissance drones as well as components for Orion UAVs.

The plant had previously been targeted in attacks in January and March 2026.

Background: On the night of 29-30 March, Taganrog had already been the target of a large-scale attack. At the time, Russian authorities acknowledged damage to industrial facilities, residential buildings and vehicles. Traffic restrictions were also reported in the area near the local aircraft plant.

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