Ukraine’s 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment Strikes Shahed Warhead Facility Near Moscow

Ukrainian long-range drones struck a production facility for Shahed/Geran-2 loitering munition warheads in the Russia’s Moscow region early on July 4, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The attack was carried out by operators of the 14the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces in coordination with other elements of the Defense Forces.

The strike targeted the Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry (NII Prikladnoy Khimii) in Sergiyev Posad, a key site for producing thermobaric warheads for Iranian-designed Shahed drones used by Russian forces.

“The facility is currently involved in manufacturing thermobaric warheads for Shahed-type UAVs and plays a critical role in Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine,” Ukraine’s General Staff said in a statement.

The institute operates under the Russian state defense organization Rostec and is subject to international sanctions for its involvement in military programs. It is located more than 500 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.

Ukrainian forces confirmed that their strike systems successfully reached the intended target. A fire and heavy smoke were observed in the area. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

The Unmanned Systems Forces added that a power substation supplying the facility had also been hit during the operation.

The Russian institute specializes in the development and production of more than 500 types of specialized pyrotechnic devices used in missile, aerospace, and artillery systems.

The strike is part of Ukraine’s broader campaign to degrade Russia’s ability to conduct airstrikes by targeting drone and missile supply chains.

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On Friday morning, Russian authorities acknowledged drone attacks in several areas, including the Moscow region. Local reports from Sergiyev Posad confirmed a substation fire that caused power cuts across several neighborhoods.