On the night of 22 October 2026, the Moscow Region of Russia came under a massive drone attack. One of the likely targets was the «75th Arsenal» military facility in the town of Serpukhov, which carries out repairs on Russian «Buk-M1», «Buk-M2» and S-300V air defence missile systems. According to the independent Russian publication ASTRA, analysis of video footage confirmed that an explosion occurred on the premises of the military facility. Local residents reported powerful explosions, followed by a fire.
- On the night of 22 October, drones attacked the Moscow Region of the Russian Federation.
- Powerful explosions were heard in the town of Serpukhov, following which a fire was reported.
- According to ASTRA, the likely target was the «75th Arsenal» military factory.
- The company specialises in the repair of Russian anti-aircraft systems: the «Buk-M1», «Buk-M2» and S-300V.
- The factory is involved in refurbishing military equipment that Russia is using in the war against Ukraine.
A Russian defence industry facility was attacked in Serpukhov
On the night of Wednesday 21 October, residents of the town of Serpukhov in the Moscow Region reported a series of powerful explosions. An air raid alert was issued in the region due to a massive drone attack.
Videos showing bright flames and thick smoke have begun to circulate on local Telegram channels. Eyewitnesses claimed that, before the fire, they heard the sound of drones flying overhead, followed by several loud explosions.
The independent Russian publication ASTRA reported that one of its OSINT analysts had examined the footage and identified the probable location of the explosion. According to the analysis, The incident took place on the premises of the «75th Arsenal» enterprise».
According to local residents, at least three explosions may also have been heard in the vicinity of the plant, which eyewitnesses attributed to rockets. However, the use of rockets during this attack has not been independently confirmed.
What is known about the «75th Arsenal» factory in the Moscow region
The joint-stock company «75th Arsenal» is based in Serpukhov and is part of the Russian defence-industrial complex.
The company was founded in 1949. Its main area of specialisation is the major overhaul of anti-aircraft missile systems, radar stations and other military equipment.
In particular, the plant carried out restoration work on:
- Anti-aircraft missile systems «Buk-M1» and «Buk-M2».
- Self-propelled S-300V launchers and launch-and-reload systems.
- Combat control centres for air defence systems.
- Radar stations and air-target detection systems.
- Other specialised military equipment.
Back in November 2022, the Russian state-owned corporation «Rostec» officially announced that the «75th Arsenal» was involved in the repair of military equipment used by the Russian army in the war against Ukraine.
It was reported at the time that all nine of the company’s workshops had been involved in the repair work, and that its specialists were also working as part of mobile repair teams.
Why the attack on «Arsenal No. 75» is of military significance
The «Buk» and S-300V anti-aircraft missile systems form part of Russia’s air defence system. They are designed to detect and engage aerial targets, including aircraft, missiles and drones.
To maintain the operational readiness of such systems, regular maintenance and repairs to electronic equipment, radar stations and launchers are required.
Companies carrying out this work ensure that equipment is repaired following damage and enable military equipment to be reused.
Russia has reported a large-scale attack on the Moscow Region
Mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobyanin stated that from the evening of 21 October until the morning of 22 October, Russian air defences had repelled a massive drone attack. According to him, hundreds of drones were heading towards the Moscow region, a significant proportion of which were allegedly destroyed on the outskirts of the capital. Sobyanin also reported that two people had been injured near the village of Voronovo in New Moscow.
In addition to the Moscow Region, attacks and air defence activity were recorded in the Tula, Lipetsk and Voronezh regions of Russia.
As of the morning of 22 October, the Ukrainian military command had not publicly confirmed its involvement in the strike on the «75th Arsenal». There is also no verified information regarding the exact extent of the damage to the facility.
