NASA Satellites Detect Fire at Taganrog Airbase

NASA FIRMS satellites detected a fire at the Russian Taganrog military airbase in the Rostov region.

The Crimean Wind monitoring group reported Friday morning that thermal anomalies had been recorded overnight near the 325 Aviation Repair Plant, located on the base.

The facility repairs An-12, An-72, and An-72P aircraft, as well as components and equipment for An-24, An-26, Tu-134, Tu-142, Tu-154, Il-76, Su-24, and Su-25 aircraft, along with Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters.

The airbase is also home to Russia’s 708th Military Transport Aviation Regiment.

The regiment stationed at the base operates Il-76MD military transport aircraft, which are used for logistics, troop and equipment transport, and airborne operations.

Local Taganrog social media channels reported drone threats overnight and into the morning of May 22.

Strikes on the Atlant-Aero drone factory

Earlier in Taganrog, one of the production workshops at the Atlant-Aero plant was completely demolished after being hit by Ukrainian missiles.

The company specializes in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including Molniya strike drones, which Russian forces actively use in the war against Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces used long-range missiles to strike the facility in January, also hitting auxiliary buildings.

Later, on April 19, the plant was attacked again with Neptune cruise missiles, which destroyed part of its supporting infrastructure.

The company also manufactures components for Russia’s Orion strike drones. Electronic warfare systems are also developed and assembled at the facility.