Russia targets drone factory as US plans Patriot missile production in Ukraine
Tehran - BORNA - The strike targeted a facility owned by Terminal Autonomy, a Delaware-registered US company established in 2023 that produces precision loitering munitions with guidance systems designed to resist Russian electronic jamming.
The company's name refers to the final stage of a kamikaze drone's attack, when artificial intelligence takes over guidance after radio or mobile communications have been disrupted by electronic warfare.
According to its website, the company develops AI-guided loitering munitions and precision strike drones already being used against targets along the frontline in Ukraine.
Former senior US intelligence officer Anthony Vinci said ownership of the factory would not affect Russian targeting decisions, adding, “The Russians do not care who owns the manufacturing facility. It is still a target. They do not care if it is American or someone else’s.”
Russian state news agency TASS, citing Russia’s Ministry of Defense, confirmed the strike on Sunday, saying the plant manufactured AQ-400 Scythe and AQ-100 Bayonet deep-strike drones.
Russian military sources also said US and Ukrainian specialists were working at the factory, describing it as another example of Washington's growing involvement in Ukraine's military-industrial sector.
The strike came as the US expanded military cooperation with Kiev following Tuesday's meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
Earlier, during the July 7-8 NATO Summit in Ankara, Trump announced that Washington would license domestic production of Patriot interceptor missiles in Ukraine while supporting expanded cooperation with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
At the same time, the US Congress advanced bipartisan legislation proposing stronger sanctions targeting Russia's energy exports, financial sector, and countries maintaining economic ties with Moscow.
The attack also coincided with intensified Russian missile operations, with Ukrainian military estimates showing that Russian forces launched around 107 ballistic missiles and 20 Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missiles during the first 19 days of July, while Moscow said the strikes targeted military-industrial facilities supporting Ukraine's war effort.
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