Ukrainian AN-196 Drones Strike Kupol Defense Plant in Izhevsk, Russia, Killing 3 and Injuring 35 Over 1,300 Kilometers From Ukraine

On July 1, 2025, Ukrainian drones conducted a long-range strike on the Kupol Electromechanical Plant in Izhevsk, Russia, located approximately 1,300 kilometers (around 800 miles) from the Ukrainian border. The Kupol facility is a key defense contractor specializing in the production of advanced air defense systems, including the Tor and Osa surface-to-air missile systems, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles such as the Garpiya-A1 and components for the Russian Shahed-136 variant. The attack involved Ukrainian AN-196 "Liutyi" strike drones, which successfully penetrated deep into Russian airspace to target this major military-industrial site. The strike caused a fire at the plant and resulted in at least three fatalities and around 35 to 45 injuries, with several individuals reported in critical condition.

Local authorities in the Udmurtia region confirmed civilian casualties from the attack. The incident represents one of the deepest Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russian territory during the ongoing conflict. Following the attack, operations at Izhevsk Airport were temporarily suspended due to the drone threat. Ukrainian officials, including the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), have acknowledged responsibility for the strike on this key military production facility.