DRAMATIC footage shows the moment a suspected Ukrainian UAV exploded as it hit one of Vladimir Putin’s war factories.
The plane-type UAV erupted into a fireball after crashing into the plant deep in Russia where it is understood Iranian killer drones are assembled.
East2WestA huge fireball erupted as the Russian plant was hit[/caption]
East2WestFootage shows panicked onlookers fleeing[/caption]
East2WestA UAV was seen flying above moments before[/caption]
Panicked workers fled as a huge inferno erupted at the plant near Yelabuga, at least 660 miles from the closest Ukrainian territory
A dormitory for workers in the Alabuga economic zone, where it is believed deadly Iranian Shahed drones are put together, was blasted, Russian sources say.
The killer drones have wreaked havoc in war.
Three strikes were reported at the plant, but it is unclear if there was any damage to the drone-making production line.
Several people were reported wounded in the attack.
According to unconfirmed claims, the attack was not by a drone by a piloted small plane on a suicide mission, possibly a Ukrainian A-22, or that an aircraft was flying on autopilot.
Kremlin-loyal Readovka reported: “It is too early to conclude whether the suicide pilot was alive at the wheel or whether the aircraft was controlled by an autopilot.
“In favour of the latter is the fact that how straight and clear the A-22 went to the target – such a result could not be achieved even by Japanese kamikazes, so, apparently, we are dealing with a new kind of long-range kamikaze drones based on light-engine aircraft.”
But other Russian outlets Shot and Mash suggested the attack was by a UJ-22 airborne drone.
Head of Tatarstan region Rustam Minnikhanov said: “This morning, the enterprises of the republic in Elabuga and Nizhnekamsk were attacked by unmanned aerial vehicles.
“There was no serious destruction, the technological process of the enterprises was not disrupted.
“There are victims as a result of the destruction of the premises. They are being provided with all the necessary assistance.”
There was also speculation of a launch within Russia, or even Kazakhstan, since the distance from Ukraine appears so far for drones.
If it had flown more than 660 miles, it would have likely been countered by Russian air defence.
East2WestThe plant – where Iranian Shahed drones are assembled – was targeted[/caption]
East2WestDamage at the site deep in Russia[/caption]