Military — 2026-10-26

Ukrainian Drones Hit Russian Titanium Plant 1,500 km From Border in Perm Krai

BLUFStriking AVISMA, source of nearly all Russian titanium sponge, at 1,500 km range signals Ukraine can threaten critical aerospace supply chains deep in the Urals.

Drones struck the AVISMA chemical and metallurgical plant in Berezniki, Perm Krai, early on October 25, according to Ukrainian monitoring channel Exilenova+, as relayed by Euromaidan Press 1 and Kyiv Post, which also cited local residents confirming impacts 2. Governor Dmitry Makhonin said an industrial facility sustained minor damage and kept operating, and that five workers were injured 13; Ukrinform, citing The Moscow Times, reported three were hospitalized for examination 3. UNITED24 Media reported Makhonin claimed air defenses intercepted 11 drones, while Russia's Defense Ministry claimed 532 drones destroyed overnight across 23 regions, per TASS; neither figure is independently verified 14. AVISMA belongs to VSMPO-AVISMA, which UNITED24 Media, citing USGS, said produced about 96% of Russia's titanium sponge in 2024 4.

Analysis
We have moderate confidence in this assessment, which rests on repeated deep strikes, including Omsk a day earlier, but only one confirmed Perm Krai attack and no independent damage data. AVISMA supplies about 96% of Russia's titanium sponge, so sustained attacks could pressure aerospace and missile production chains, though the governor says the plant kept operating. Reaching 1,500 km forces Moscow to stretch thin Urals air defenses. Another Ukrainian drone strike on a Perm Krai facility will likely be reported by Russian regional officials or major news outlets between October 27 and November 30. All four outlets are Ukrainian-aligned and relay the same Exilenova+ post and governor statement, so damage and drone counts remain unverified. The strike may instead be a one-off range demonstration, with Kyiv prioritizing nearer refineries and defense plants. If another strike is reported, Russian planners must shift air defense to the Urals and Western sanctions officials may weigh titanium exposure. Otherwise, current force dispositions and sanctions priorities hold.

4 sources

Russian titanium plant in Urals reportedly hit by Ukrainian drones, 1,500 km from Ukraine - Euromaidan Press
Drones Strike Avisma Titanium Plant in Russia's Perm Region - Kyiv Post
Drones attack plant owned by Russia's largest titanium producer in Perm Krai, media report - Ukrinform
Drones Strike Russia's Titanium Giant Supplying Su-34 Fighters and Iskander Missiles - UNITED24 Media