Five production workshops at the Azov Optical-Mechanical Plant (AOMZ) in Russia’s Rostov region were damaged in a Ukrainian Armed Forces strike overnight on 26 September.
The damage is visible in satellite imagery. Traces of fire and significant damage to two buildings were recorded at the foundry, while the roof of the mechanical workshop partially collapsed. The optical production, assembly and electroplating workshops were also seriously damaged.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) confirmed the strike on the plant. According to the SSU, Ukrainian Neptune cruise missiles, as well as Ruta, Palyanytsia and Bars jet-powered drones, were used in the attack.
The plant is part of Russia’s Tactical Missiles Corporation and, according to an investigation by Dallas Analytics, is involved in the production chains of at least seven Russian missile programmes. These include the R-37M long-range air-to-air missile, the Kh-101 strategic cruise missile and the Oreshnik ballistic missile.
AOMZ produces radar and infrared homing heads, flight automation units, cable harnesses, casings and switching units for these and other missiles. It also manufactures components for guided aerial bombs and equipment for aerospace systems.
Among its specialised products are the Otblesk navigation lidar and a flight automation unit for the Kh-101. The Otblesk system enables the missile to navigate when satellite signals are disrupted by electronic warfare, while the automation unit controls the missile’s systems and flight control surfaces.
AOMZ has been under US sanctions since spring 2022. The EU, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand have also imposed restrictions on the company
