Storm Shadow Missiles Smash Russian Chip Plant Linked to Iskander

March 12 ------ Ukrainian forces struck a major Russian microelectronics factory in Bryansk with Storm Shadow cruise missile air-launched missiles, damaging a facility that produces critical components for Russia’s missile systems, Ukraine’s military said.

Ukraine’s General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the strike on the Kremniy El Group plant, describing it as part of a broader campaign to reduce Russia’s military-industrial capacity. “Kremniy El is a critically important link in the chain of production of Russian ‘high-precision’ weapons,” the General Staff said in a statement. “The plant specializes in discrete semiconductor devices and integrated microchips that serve as the ‘brains’ and ‘nervous system’ of modern weapons.” The factory produces components used in Russian weapons systems, including the Iskander missile system, according to the Ukrainian military.

The General Staff said the target was successfully hit and that “significant damage” to production facilities had been recorded. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Bryansk regional governor Alexander Bogomaz said 6 people were killed and 37were  injured in the strike. Videos circulating on social media showed multiple explosions and a massive plume of smoke rising over the industrial site. Open-source analysts said several missiles appeared to have hit the facility, including at least one strike on an assembly workshop.

The strike was also confirmed by Ukraine’s military leadership. President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, said the operation targeted a plant producing control systems for Russian missiles. “The operation was successful. The Bryansk factory that produces control systems for all types of Russian missiles was hit,” Zelensky said.

Dashcam footage shared online appears to show one missile striking a roadway near the plant, hitting a passing car before additional impacts are seen at the industrial complex. Passengers in a nearby minibus can be heard shouting as the driver quickly turns away from the area.

Source: kyivpost.com