Strikes on Proton and Azot: how Ukraine weakens Russia’s defence industry
On 23 October 2026, strikes targeted the Proton plant in Oryol and the Azot chemical complex in Berezniki, Perm Krai. One makes components for Russian missiles and air defence systems; the other produces chemical raw materials used, among other things, in explosives manufacturing. Strikes on these facilities disrupt weapons production before the finished weapons reach the front.
The Russian military needs a steady supply of replacement missiles, ammunition and equipment. Behind every finished product are electronics suppliers, chemical plants, metal producers and equipment manufacturers. Their work determines whether military orders are delivered on time.
Proton in Oryol: electronics for Iskander and Pantsir systems
The Proton plant in Oryol was hit by a missile strike on the evening of 23 October.
Its role in Russian weapons production is detailed on War & Sanctions, the portal run by Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence.
According to Defence Intelligence, Proton’s products are used in several weapons:
- 9M723 Iskander-M ballistic missiles — inverter switches.
- S-71 Kover air-launched cruise missiles — diode modules.
- Pantsir-S1 gun-and-missile air defence systems — electronic switching modules and microcircuits for the television channel.
Defence Intelligence also notes that a military customer’s representative oversees technical acceptance of products at the plant. Its involvement in weapons production is documented.
Azot in Berezniki: chemical raw materials for explosives
Drones attacked the Azot chemical plant in Berezniki, Perm Krai, on the morning of 23 October. Part of the Uralchem group, the plant produces ammonia, nitrate fertilizers, urea, nitric acid and other chemical products.
One of the manufacturer’s own documents explains the facility’s military relevance. Its technical specification for concentrated nitric acid explicitly lists explosives manufacturing among the product’s uses. The document identifies the Azot branch in Berezniki as the manufacturer.
Serious equipment damage at a chemical plant requires complex repairs. Processing units must be repaired, while pipelines, automation and process safety must be checked. Downtime costs production time, and repairs require additional spending.
The specific impact of today’s attack will depend on which units were damaged and how long their operation is disrupted.
The Marshal plant in Luhansk: industry and communications infrastructure
A strike on the Marshal machine-building plant in occupied Luhansk was also reported that day. The facility specialises in industrial pipeline valves for the oil, gas, chemical and energy sectors.
According to Exilenova+, the Lugacom data center on its premises was also hit. Communications and power disruptions were reported in the city after the overnight attack.
In this case, production facilities and nearby telecommunications equipment need to be distinguished. A reported hit on the data center does not, by itself, establish the extent of damage to the factory.
Why strikes on factories matter for Ukraine
Russia is fighting a prolonged war in which expended weapons must constantly be replaced. Production has to keep pace with the military’s needs.
Damage to factories complicates that work in several ways. Companies spend money on repairs, bring in specialists and order equipment. Their customers seek other suppliers or wait for deliveries to resume. Some resources intended to expand output are instead used to restore previous capacity.
For Ukraine, the military purpose of these operations is to limit Russia’s ability to manufacture new weapons and supply them to its forces.
Details of the attacks and the day’s other developments are in Demilitarizator’s report for 23 October 2026.