Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details about Shahed-type drones.
Ukraine struck the Primorsko-Akhtarsk airfield in Russia's Krasnodar Krai with drones overnight on Feb. 6, the General Staff reported.
"Confirmed hit and explosions in the target area. A fire has broken out. The results of the hit are being clarified," the statement reads.
The airfield, located 230 kilometers (142 miles) from the front line, is a key launch site for Russian Shahed-type drones used against Ukraine, the General Staff said, adding it also serves as a storage, training, and maintenance facility for aircraft operating in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts.
Russian local Telegram channels reported explosions near the airfield following the strike.
"Strikes on the facilities involved in ensuring Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine and terrorizing the civilian population will continue," the General Staff added.
Martin Fornusek
Russia has increasingly relied on Shahed drones, capable of traveling up to 2,500 kilometers, to target Ukrainian infrastructure and residential areas.
The suicide drones are highly cost-effective, and easy to deploy when striking long-range targets. To further overwhelm Ukraine's air defense system, Russia frequently launches Shaheds in tandem with ballistic missiles.
Originally imported from Iran, Russia began domestic production of the Shaheds in 2023, with the Yelabuga factory manufacturing 2,738 units that year.
By 2024, production surged to over 5,700 units in just the first nine months, according to CNN. Known as Geran in Russia, these drones are a cornerstone of Moscow's long-range strike capabilities.
Despite setbacks, including a December fire at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone warehouse that destroyed $16 million worth of drone components, the facility remains essential to Russia's drone operations.
Most drone attacks are launched from Cape Chauda in Crimea, as well as from Yeisk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Kursk Oblast.
Russia's drone strikes have violated the airspace of neighboring countries, including Romania, Latvia, and Poland, though these nations have yet to intercept the projectiles.
Tim Zadorozhnyy
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