A series of drone attacks struck the city of Bolkhov in Russia’s Oryol Oblast overnight on 21 May, damaging a semiconductor manufacturing facility that produces electronic components for tanks and missile systems.

Oryol Governor Andrei Klichkov reported that Russian forces intercepted multiple waves of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) throughout the incident.

Klichkov confirmed that the attack damaged several private homes and the Bolkhov Semiconductor Device Plant (JSC “BZPP”).

“Currently, work is underway at the incident sites to eliminate the consequences of the attack. There are no casualties,” Klichkov wrote on Telegram.

The facility, located at over 300 km (186 miles) from the Ukrainian border, is an important element of the Russian military industry that develops and manufactures electronic equipment for radio-electronic apparatus, according to International pro-Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+.

BZPP manufactures microchips, semiconductors, indicators, microassemblies, and “eternal batteries” for military and civilian use. The plant’s products are reportedly utilized in communication systems, control systems, electronic warfare equipment, and simulators for tanks and missile complexes. 

The targeted plant was placed under US sanctions on 1 May 2024, potentially indicating its strategic importance to Russia’s defense industry.

Despite being under international sanctions, the plant has maintained active operations, producing up to 3 million devices annually and employing approximately 700 staff members.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed a total of 127 drones were shot down during the attack and attributed the strike to Ukraine. Ukrainian Defense Forces have not yet commented on this attack.