Drone Strike Cripples Key Russian Missile Factories in Tula

Ukrainian drone strikes on May 7, 2025, caused substantial damage to two key Russian missile production plants in Tula, according to multiple reports. The facilities, JSC Instrument Engineering Design Bureau and SPP, are central to Russia's missile program, producing weapons systems like Kalibr and Iskander missiles. Video footage shows extensive fires and explosions at the sites following the attack. Damage assessments indicate a potential production reduction of up to 40%, representing a significant blow to Russia's military capabilities. A technician from one of the affected plants, speaking anonymously to an independent Russian media outlet, stated, "We didn't know what was happening. We only saw the lights go out, then the whole sky turned orange. We knew it wasn't a drill." Military analysts cited by Jane's Defence Weekly and independent sources like Reuters and the BBC estimate that these plants produce between 200 and 250 missiles per year. The economic impact is estimated at between 150 and 300 million euros, but the true cost may lie in Russia's diminished battlefield effectiveness. The attack underscores the growing vulnerability of Russia's military industrial complex and the potential impact of precision-guided weapons on long-range strike capabilities.