Drone attack on factory in Oryol region causes communication disruptions in several regions of Russia

On the night of May 21, a large-scale drone attack occurred in Russia, causing disruptions to the Internet and mobile communications in several regions.

According to local media and Telegram channels, and confirmed by the news agency, network problems were observed in the Moscow, Tula, Vladimir, and Lipetsk regions, as well as in Saransk. Local authorities attributed this to the use of electronic warfare equipment to counter the drones, particularly in the Tula region, where significant disruptions to mobile communications and the Internet were observed.

One of the primary targets of the attack was the Bolkhov Semiconductor Plant in the Oryol region, which produces electronic components for communication, control, and electronic warfare systems. The company is subject to international sanctions due to its involvement in the Russian military industry. According to available information, a fire broke out during the attack on the plant.

Due to the threat of drones, airports in Yaroslavl, Kostroma, and Kaluga have temporarily suspended operations to ensure the safety of passengers and personnel.

Official Russian sources report the destruction of 127 drones that were allegedly launched from Ukraine. In particular, it is indicated that 53 of them were shot down in the Oryol region, 51 in the Bryansk region, and the rest in the Moscow, Vladimir, Ryazan, Belgorod, Tula, Kaluga regions and over the Black Sea.

Updated

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the information about the attack, indicating that the plant supplies products to 19 enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex, which are engaged in the production of aircraft, Iskander, and Kinzhal missiles.

Despite the sanctions, the plant produces approximately 3 million devices annually and employs around 700 people.

It was established that ten drones successfully reached the target, resulting in a fire. Information about the consequences of the object’s destruction is currently being clarified.

In addition, on the night of May 7, a series of explosions occurred in the Moscow region as a result of one of the largest drone attacks in recent times, as a result of which more than 20 explosions were recorded. After this, all major airports in Moscow suspended operations.