Drones Strike Russian Space Intelligence Facility

Unmanned aerial vehicles targeted a Russian space intelligence facility in the Stavropol Krai early on Friday, May 2, 2025.

A video of the UAV flight and the attack was published on the Exilenova+ Telegram channel. The attack was also confirmed by the regional authorities.

The drones attacked military unit No. 33443, located near the village of Moskovskoye, the Izobilnensky district.

The site, known by the codename Zvezda, is part of Russia’s space-based signals intelligence infrastructure and is subordinated to the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of the General Staff.

The Zvezda facility is believed to intercept signals from foreign satellite communications systems, including commercial platforms, though the full extent of its capabilities remains classified.

Satellite images and on-site photos show the presence of large parabolic antennas, which are typically used for intercepting and analyzing satellite transmissions.

Stavropol Krai Governor Vladimir Vladimirov confirmed the drone attack, saying that “the fragments of drones were found in the village of Moskovskoye, the Izobilnensky district. According to operational data, there are no casualties.”

Video footage posted on the Exilenova+ Telegram channel shows several drones flying near the settlement, observed by local residents.

Small arms fire can be heard as Russian personnel attempt to shoot down the incoming unknown aircraft-type drones.

One of the videos captures a drone crashing and exploding near the military compound. The extent of the damage to the facility has not yet been officially reported.

This is the second known drone attack on the Zvezda facility. On July 4, 2024, two drones struck the same site, reportedly injuring at least one servicemember, according to independent media outlet Astra.

It remains unclear whether the previous incident caused any structural damage to the facility.