Investigation: Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant Involved in at Least Seven Russian Missile Programs

Investigators have found that the Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant (AOMZ), which was hit by missiles launched by the Defense Forces on the night of September 26, manufactures components for, among others, Kh-101 cruise missiles and Oreshnik ballistic missiles.

Private intelligence company Dallas Analytics reported this, citing documents from the Russian Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant that its analysts obtained.

The materials Dallas Analytics obtained include internal correspondence, state contract data, and production cooperation schedules from the Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant joint-stock company.

They cover the period between April 2023 and March 2025 and contain documents bearing the letterheads of four enterprises: AOMZ itself; Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV), which owns the plant and develops most of Russia’s tactical missiles; Michurinsk Plant Progress; and the Kurganpribor design bureau.

According to the company’s internal documents, the plant is part of the production chains for at least seven Russian missile programs.

The researchers found that AOMZ is involved in producing Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles, short-range R-74 and long-range R-37M air-to-air missiles, Kh-101 and Kh-35U cruise missiles, Kh-59/Kh-69 cruise missiles, and Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

Production

For the Kh-101 cruise missile, AOMZ manufactures the Otblesk navigation lidar and flight-control automation unit. The lidar helps the missile determine its position when satellite navigation is jammed, while the automation unit controls its systems and control surfaces. According to Dallas Analytics, no alternative suppliers exist for these components.

For the Kh-35U anti-ship missile and Kh-59/Kh-69 family of tactical air-launched missiles, the plant manufactures flight-control automation units. Internal documents also indicate AOMZ’s involvement in the production chain for the Oreshnik ballistic missile guidance system.

For the long-range R-37M missile, AOMZ is to supply switching units, power supply units, battery activation units, cable harnesses, assembly boards and housings.

In March 2025, the company was informed that the Russian Aerospace Forces required increased deliveries from 2026 of products containing the plant’s components. The company was given 72 hours to respond on whether it could supply 500 sets of electronic components and 1,000 housings annually starting in 2026.

The plant is also known to have worked on the Carthage-760 infrared seeker for the prospective short-range R-74 missile, developed by the Vympel design bureau to arm the Su-57 fighter jet.

According to Dallas Analytics, the Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant also manufactures seekers for the Kh-31P anti-radiation missile, which Russia uses against Ukrainian radars.

The company has also been linked to the 65SNL laser seeker for the Kh-38ML short-range air-to-surface missile and the 27NM-G seeker for the KAB-250L guided aerial bomb.