ASTRA: Drone strike sets Rostec-linked arms plant ablaze near Moscow PHOTO

The Central Scientific Research Institute for Precision Engineering (TsNIITochMash), a Russian developer of small arms, caught fire in Podolsk, near Moscow, following a drone attack on the region.

According to an analysis by ASTRA, the fire at TsNIITochMash, located in the Klimovsk district of Podolsk, was identified by geolocating two images taken from different locations.

One image was reportedly captured from Industrialnaya Street, while the other was taken from the grounds of the Wildberries Koledino warehouse. Both locations are in Podolsk, where the defence enterprise is situated.

TsNIITochMash JSC is part of the Russian state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec. Based in Podolsk, the institute specialises in the development of small arms, combat equipment and ammunition. 

Among its best-known products are the Ratnik combat gear system, the AS Val suppressed assault rifle, the VSS Vintorez suppressed sniper rifle, and the SR-1 Gyurza self-loading pistol (also known as the Serdyukov pistol), which are used by Russian special forces.

Due to its role in supporting Russia's defence industry, TsNIITochMash is subject to sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United States, Ukraine, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, and New Zealand.

By Aghakazim Guliyev