The Schemes investigative project has studied images of Borisoglebsk, Voronezh region, Russia, taken by commercial satellites from Planet Labs.
In particular, the satellite images show the aftermath of a strike on an aircraft factory that repairs missiles that Russia launches at Ukrainian territory from fighter jets and combat helicopters
The Planet Labs satellite recorded damage to the building of the 711th Aviation Plant in the city of Borysoglebsk, more than 300 km from the border of the territories controlled by Ukraine. The image shows damage to one of the buildings on the plant's territory. The roof of the building collapsed as a result of the strike.
On 9 April, the Russian Ministry of Defence reported that it had "repelled a drone attack" on the city of Borisoglebsk. Instead, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine confirmed the drone strike on a Russian plant.
"Yes, an aircraft plant. This is what we can confirm from various sources. We can also confirm that there was a rumble. We will not disclose any details, but according to preliminary information, the main production facilities of the enterprise were hit," Defence Intelligence of Ukraine spokesman Andriy Yusov told Radio Liberty.
"This plant is the only enterprise in Russia that repairs the entire range of missiles in service with frontline aviation, as well as repairs ground communications and radio technical support for flights," aviation expert Anatoliy Khrapchynsky explained in a commentary to Schemes.
As an example, the aviation expert cited the types of missiles R-73, RVV-AE, Kh-25 and R-27, which, in particular, are used by Russian Mi-24 and Ka-52 helicopters, as well as Su-24, Su-25 and Su-34 fighters to attack Ukrainian territory.
Background. The day before, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine confirmed that a UAV training centre in Borysoglebsk had been attacked.