Ukraine destroys Russia's test aircraft for airborne laser weapons

A recent Ukrainian strike on the Beriev aircraft manufacturing facility in Taganrog, southwestern Russia, destroyed a rare and significant Russian military asset: the A-60 airborne laser test aircraft. The A-60, a unique Soviet-era platform built from an Il-76MD transport jet, was Russia’s only flying testbed for airborne laser weapons. Satellite imagery confirmed the aircraft was engulfed in flames and severely damaged, marking a major setback for Russia’s laser weapons program, whose current status was already uncertain. Alongside the A-60, another advanced aircraft, likely a testbed for the A-100 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system, was also destroyed. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reported using a combination of Bars long-range jet-powered attack drones and Neptune land-attack cruise missiles to carry out the strike. The Neptune missile, originally an anti-ship weapon, has been adapted for deep strikes into Russian territory, while the Bars drone represents Ukraine’s growing long-range strike capabilities