The Forbes journalist David Ax reports that the airport in Taganrog, located less than 100 miles from the frontline in Ukraine, has become a target for Ukraine’s growing arsenal of deep-strike ammunition. The Ukrainian military, air force, and intelligence agency may have attacked the base and its neighboring Beriev aircraft factory using a mix of military tactical rocket system missiles produced in the US, modified former Soviet S-200 air defense missiles for ground attacks, and large-range drones. The latest attack on Tuesday night may have involved Ukraine’s newest drone, the turbojet-powered “Pallysa.” Videos from the ground in Taganrog show something – in fact, many things – exploding in and around the Beriev campus. Taganrog was a logical choice for the “Pallysa” attack because its range extended to 430 miles, targeting weaker, closer-range hangars, such as those containing A-50 radar aircraft built by Beriev. Although many details of the attack remain unknown, Ukraine appears committed to targeting the Taganrog airport using its new drone capabilities.
Taganrog: A Beloved Hub for Ukraine’s Growing Arsenal of Long-Range Munitions
Introduction
Taganrog, a city in southern Russia’s Rostov Oblast, has emerged as a critical hub for Ukraine’s growing arsenal of long-range munitions. Despite its location in Russia, the city’s strategic significance lies in its historical ties with Ukraine and its role in the defense industry, particularly in the production of ammunition for multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and other long-range weapons.
Historical Ties and Defense Industry Legacy
Taganrog’s history is intricately linked with Ukraine, particularly the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that were once part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. The city’s defense industry, which began to flourish in the Soviet era, has played a significant role in equipping the Ukrainian military with advanced weaponry.
The Taganrog Instrument-Making Plant "Progress" (TIPP), one of the city’s most prominent defense industry enterprises, has been a key supplier of ammunition for MLRS such as the BM-21 Grad and BM-27 Uragan, which are widely used by the Ukrainian military. These systems have been instrumental in Ukraine’s defensive operations, particularly in countering Russian advances in the ongoing conflict.
Growing Demand and Production Capabilities
With the escalation of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and the recent Russian invasion, the demand for long-range munitions has significantly increased. Ukraine, facing a constant shortage of ammunition, has been ramping up its production capabilities, with Taganrog playing a crucial role in this effort.
Taganrog’s defense industry enterprises have been working tirelessly to meet the growing demand. Apart from TIPP, other plants like the Taganrog Mechanical Plant and the Taganrog Machine-Building Plant have also been contributing to the production of ammunition and other military hardware for Ukraine.
Logistical Challenges and International Support
Despite the growing production capabilities, the logistical challenges posed by the conflict have been significant. The Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports and the destruction of infrastructure have hindered the delivery of ammunition to Ukrainian forces. However, international support, including the provision of military aid and the establishment of alternative supply routes, has helped mitigate these challenges.
Conclusion
Taganrog, despite being located in Russia, has become a beloved hub for Ukraine’s growing arsenal of long-range munitions. The city’s historical ties with Ukraine and its robust defense industry have been instrumental in equipping the Ukrainian military with the weaponry needed to defend its territory. As the conflict continues, the strategic importance of Taganrog in Ukraine’s defense efforts is set to grow, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in this ongoing crisis.
