CaliToday (28/11/2025): In a severe setback for Moscow's military assets, Ukraine successfully targeted and destroyed two exceptionally high-value Russian aircraft on the night of November 25, 2025. The confirmed losses include a heavy Il-76 transport aircraft and the highly secretive A-60 experimental prototype a rare laser-equipped platform that Moscow reportedly viewed as a cornerstone of its future technology defense.
Precision Strike Hits Critical Facility
Satellite imagery, analyzed and verified by the open-source intelligence group Dnipro OSINT, confirmed that the sustained attack successfully struck the Taganrog Aviation Scientific and Technical Complex in Russia’s Rostov region. This facility is crucial for the repair and maintenance of strategic military aircraft. The precision of the strike underscores a growing capability by Ukraine to reach and inflict damage on sensitive military infrastructure deep within Russian territory.
The Loss of the A-60: A Technological Setback
The A-60 is a modified Il-76 transport plane designed in the Soviet era to carry an integrated laser system. This unique aerial platform was developed for highly specialized roles, including missile defense and potentially anti-satellite warfare (ASAT) capabilities. Its destruction represents not just a material loss, but a significant technological and strategic setback.
Estimated Value: Russian media outlets have previously estimated the value of this rare experimental aircraft to be anywhere from $150 million to a staggering $480 million—closer to half a billion dollars. Losing such a unique piece of airborne technology is arguably the most impactful single aircraft loss of the conflict to date.
Coordinated Attacks Across Strategic Targets
The attack on Taganrog was reportedly part of a larger, coordinated operation. Ukrainian forces launched simultaneous drone and missile strikes against multiple strategic Russian targets using a combination of long-range loitering munitions and potentially Neptune cruise missiles.
Key targets hit on the same night included:
The Novorossiysk Oil Depot, a major hub for Russian energy exports.
The Tuapse Refinery, another critical energy infrastructure site on the Black Sea coast.
Russian Response and Information Vacuum
The Russian Defense Ministry did not confirm the destruction of the two aircraft at Taganrog but claimed to have successfully shot down a massive wave of 259 drones during the night. The Rostov regional governor reported civilian casualties (three people killed) and damage to civilian infrastructure, yet made no mention of the major losses at the military repair facility.
This information vacuum surrounding the A-60 and Il-76 highlights the sensitivity of the losses and the clear priority by Russian authorities to downplay the impact of successful Ukrainian deep strikes.
The precision and coordination demonstrated in this operation underscore a critical evolution in Ukraine's military strategy, focusing on degrading Russia's highest-value and most technologically advanced assets.
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Analysis Question: Given the immense strategic value and rarity of the A-60, what do you think is the long-term strategic implication for Russia’s military modernization and anti-satellite program following this loss? Share your thoughts below!