Damaged plant near Moscow was developing next-generation bomber aircraft – report
On Wednesday, August 9, a large-scale explosion occurred in Sergiev Posad, Moscow Region (Photo:bigkurs.ru/via REUTERS)
The Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant in
Sergiyev Posad (Moscow Oblast), where a massive
explosion occurred on Aug. 9, was involved in the development of a new
generation of Russian bomber aircraft, Russian news outlet Agentstvo reports,
citing the official state procurement registry.
"The enterprise not only continues to supply optics to Russian forces, but since 2019 it has been involved in the development of a next-generation Russian strategic bomber ‘Poslannik," the message said.
According to the report, state contracts for the factory ceased to be published almost immediately after the start of the war – from March 2022, but previously concluded contracts are still available. Among them is the "execution of a component part of research and development work on the subject of code: Poslannik -1OEP/L." The stated contract execution deadline is 2027, with the cost of work amounting to RUB 69 million ($712,000) and the customer being the Russian Defense Ministry.
Poslannik is a strategic bomber/cruise missile carrier. The aircraft, according to Russian media, is designed using the "flying wing" profile – resembling the U.S.-made B-2 Spirit – with stealth technologies and materials used in its construction.
The aircraft will be capable of carrying existing and prospective strategic cruise missiles, high-precision aerial bombs, hypersonic weapons, and will be equipped with the latest communication and electronic warfare tools.
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