Ukraine Reportedly Hits Russia's Titanium Sponge Maker and a Missile-Battery Plant
The Oct. 25 strikes, identified by OSINT channels, targeted the source of most Russian titanium sponge and a maker of batteries for Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, though production losses are unconfirmed.
The Oct. 25 strikes, identified by OSINT channels, targeted the source of most Russian titanium sponge and a maker of batteries for Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, though production losses are unconfirmed.
Drones struck the AVISMA titanium plant in Berezniki, Perm Krai, overnight into Oct. 25, and missiles hit the Energiya battery plant in Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, that afternoon, according to the Ukrainian OSINT channel Exilenova+, which published footage of both. Berezniki lies more than 1,400 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AVISMA and why does it matter?
AVISMA is the Berezniki plant of VSMPO-AVISMA, which produced about 33,500 tonnes of titanium sponge in 2024, roughly 96% of Russia's output, per U.S. Geological Survey data. Ukraine's Defence Intelligence ties the corporation's titanium to Su-34 and Su-35S production.
What does the Energiya plant in Yelets make?
Batteries and power cells. Exilenova+ says they go into Iskander and Kinzhal missiles and calls the plant Russia's only producer of batteries for glide-bomb guidance modules, a claim not independently confirmed.
Did Russia confirm the strikes?
Partly. Perm Gov. Dmitry Makhonin reported minor damage to an unnamed industrial site and five injured workers, and Lipetsk Gov. Igor Artamonov acknowledged a strike on Yelets' industrial zone. Neither named the plants.
What weapons were used?
Drones hit AVISMA. Exilenova+ said Storm Shadow cruise missiles were likely used against Energiya; Ukraine's military has not commented.
Has Energiya been attacked before?
Yes. It was hit in May and July 2025 and in January 2026.
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AVISMA belongs to VSMPO-AVISMA, which produced about 33,500 tonnes of titanium sponge in 2024, roughly 96% of Russia's output, according to U.S. Geological Survey data. The corporation's titanium goes into Su-34 fighter-bombers and Su-35S fighters, Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (HUR) has documented.
Perm Gov. Dmitry Makhonin reported 11 drones downed. An unnamed industrial site in the region's north took "minor" damage and kept operating, and five employees were injured. He did not name AVISMA.
Geolocated footage shows large smoke plumes rising from Energiya, roughly 250 kilometers from the border, the Institute for the Study of War found.
Energiya's power cells go into Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, Exilenova+ wrote, adding that Storm Shadow cruise missiles were likely used. The channel also calls Energiya Russia's only producer of batteries for glide-bomb planning-and-correction modules, a claim no second source confirms.
Lipetsk Gov. Igor Artamonov acknowledged a strike on Yelets' industrial zone that injured one person but did not identify the plant. Ukraine's military had not claimed either strike. Energiya was previously hit in May and July 2025 and in January 2026.
Both strikes went after single-source inputs. One corporation supplies about 96% of Russia's titanium sponge, and Energiya, if Exilenova+ is right, alone makes the guidance batteries for glide bombs. Russia dropped about 1,600 guided bombs on Ukraine last week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.