A Ukrainian strike on the Beriev aircraft plant in Taganrog has destroyed Russia’s sole airborne laser testbed along with at least one other advanced aircraft, according to new satellite imagery and reports from both countries.
The late-night attack ignited a major fire on the flight line. Videos posted online showed flames engulfing an airframe that analysts quickly identified as the A-60, a rare Soviet-era Il-76–based test platform built to study airborne laser weapon systems. Only two prototypes were ever produced, and the A-60 in Taganrog was the only one still capable of flight. Its loss is considered a major setback for Russia’s already ambiguous laser weapons program.
Satellite imagery taken after the strike also shows a second destroyed aircraft nearby, likely tied to the A-100 airborne early warning and control project, either a prototype or the A-100LL avionics testbed.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said the strike used both Bars long-range jet-powered attack drones and modified Neptune land-attack cruise missiles. Originally built as anti-ship weapons, the Neptunes have been steadily upgraded to reach deep inside Russian territory. The Bars is part of a new wave of Ukrainian hybrid drone-missile designs used in recent long-range attacks.
Russian Telegram channels, including Astra and Fighterbomber, reported drone activity over Taganrog and confirmed that the A-60 had been destroyed. Hours later, commercial satellite images verified heavy damage across the Beriev complex. The A-60 was identifiable by its distinct tail “hump,” which housed the laser-aiming system.
Local officials reported further strikes across the Rostov region and Krasnodar Krai the same night. Rostov Governor Yury Slyusar confirmed Taganrog had been hit, reporting civilian casualties and damage to nearby infrastructure but offering no details about Russian military losses.
The Taganrog facility is one of Russia’s most important military aviation centers. It handles A-50 and A-100 radar aircraft, the A-60 laser platform, and major overhauls for Tu-95MS strategic bombers and Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft, making it a frequent target for Ukraine’s expanding long-range strike campaign.
The A-60 project dates back to the 1970s, when the Soviet Union began testing airborne lasers intended to disable high-altitude targets. Its carbon dioxide laser was designed for a theoretical 50-second firing time with a range of roughly 25 miles, though real-world capability was likely far more limited.
With the destruction of the A-60 and a second advanced test aircraft, Ukraine has once again demonstrated that its long-range drones and missiles can hit some of Russia’s most sensitive military assets deep behind the front lines.