The Ukraine strike on the Beriev factory in Taganrog destroyed two extremely rare Russian aircraft used as test platforms for laser weapons and airborne early warning (AEW) systems. Satellite images showed the elimination of a Beriev A-60 and an A-100LL, both derived from the Il-76.
According to Kyiv, the offensive combined cruise missiles and one-way attack drones, also hitting critical parts of the facility responsible for maintaining Russia’s A-50 “Mainstay” fleet.
The destruction of the prototypes represents a significant blow to Russia’s plans to modernize its AEW capabilities and develop directed-energy weapons. The A-60 served as a test platform for an anti-missile laser, while the A-100LL was part of the program for the new A-100, which is already delayed. The Russian A-50 fleet, already limited, has suffered additional losses during the war, including from FPV drones and direct shootdowns, further reducing the country’s ability to monitor airspace in combat zones.
In addition to the damage to Beriev, Ukrainian nighttime strikes also hit an Atlant Aero factory that produces the Molniya drone, oil facilities in Novorossiysk and Tuapse, and at least one S-400 system.
The offensive increases pressure on the Russian military infrastructure used to support missile attacks and aerial surveillance operations, reinforcing Ukraine’s strategy of undermining critical assets on enemy territory.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @Archer83Able | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
In addition to the A-60 flying laboratory, a regular Ilysuhin Il-76 transport plane was also destroyed as a result of Ukrainian strikes on the Taganrog Yuzhny Air Base last night.
The final assembly workshop operated by the Beriev Aircraft Company suffered damage.… https://t.co/N6TjFRKqnm pic.twitter.com/s2zr9unVPB
— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) November 25, 2025
