Major Russian chip manufacturer suspends production following Ukrainian drone attack

The Kremniy El plant, one of Russia’s largest manufacturers of microelectronics, has suspended operations after being hit by a Ukrainian drone attack. According to a report by the Russian state-run news agency TASS, citing the plant’s press service, six drones attacked the facility on the night of Jan. 24, causing damage to parts of the production facilities and to a warehouse containing finished products. No injuries were reported.

“Damage was inflicted on facilities providing special energy supplies, and technological production chains were disrupted. The plant’s operations have been suspended,” the press service told TASS.

Earlier in the day, Russia’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) reported that 37 drones had been shot down over the Bryansk Region overnight. In total, Russian air defenses claimed to have intercepted and destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones, according to the ministry.

This is not the first time the Kremniy El plant has been targeted. In October 2024, a drone attack disrupted the plant’s power supply, forcing a halt in production. Ukrainian drones also attacked the facility in August and September 2023.

The Kremniy El plant produces components for Russia’s MoD, including parts for Pantsir air defense systems and Iskander missile systems. The plant is located in the Bryansk Region at a site approximately 110 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.