On the night of 10 November, a series of explosions rocked the Novgorod Region of Russia. According to preliminary reports, the likely target of the attack was the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in the town of Stara Russa, which services the Russian army’s military transport aircraft. Fire engines were dispatched to the area around the plant following the explosions. This has been reported by monitoring channels, including Exilenova+. Information about the suspected attack has also been circulated by Ukrainian media.
- Explosions were heard in the Novgorod Region of the Russian Federation on the night of 10 November.
- The likely target of the attack was the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa.
- The company provides maintenance services for the Il-76, Il-78 and L-410 military transport aircraft.
- Following the explosions, fire engines were dispatched to the area around the factory.
What is known about the night-time attack on the aircraft repair plant
On the night of 10 November, residents of the Novgorod Oblast in the Russian Federation reported a series of explosions. Monitoring sources suggest that the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant, located in the town of Stara Russa, may have been targeted.
According to preliminary reports, fire engines were dispatched to the site following the explosions. However, there are no confirmed reports of damage to production buildings, maintenance hangars or aircraft.
At the time the reports emerged, neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian side had released any official information regarding the outcome of the possible attack.
What military aircraft are being repaired at the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant?
123rd Aircraft Repair Plant is part of the Russian state-owned corporation «Rostec»through the companies «Aviaremont» and the United Aircraft Corporation. It specialises in the repair, modernisation and maintenance of military aircraft.".
The main types of aircraft serviced by the company are the Il-76, Il-78 and L-410. The factory also carries out repairs on aircraft engines and components.
Russia uses Il-76 military transport aircraft to carry personnel, weapons and military cargo. Il-78 aircraft serve as aerial refuelling tankers, thereby extending the range of combat aircraft.
The company has its own runway, which enables it to accommodate heavy aircraft directly on the premises of the repair complex. The plant is also listed on the sanctions list maintained by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.
The factory had already been attacked in March 2026
This is not the first report of an attack on a facility in Staraya Russa. On 17 March 2026, the Ukrainian Defence Forces attacked facilities at the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant, and the following day the General Staff confirmed the strike.
According to official figures from the Ukrainian command, a hangar used for the maintenance of Il-76 and L-410 aircraft was damaged. The extent of the damage was being assessed.
Recent reports of explosions suggest a possible renewed attack on the facility, which is responsible for the repair and maintenance of Russia’s military transport aircraft.
