Russia ramps up drone warfare with secretive factory expansion
The Russian Federation Army is continuously attacking Ukrainian cities using drones. However, the increase in such activities requires boosted factory productivity. CNN reports that this is made possible by a large drone factory, where teenagers from Africa, among others, are enticed by Moscow with the promise of development opportunities.
The number of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine has surged over recent months, escalating from 400 in May to 2,400 in November. Ukrainians are attempting to defend against them in various ways, primarily through the use of anti-aircraft defense systems. Despite their efforts, many attacks from Russia continue to pose a significant problem for Ukraine. CNN has now obtained information about a clandestine factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, which facilitates such intensive assaults. This is where Shahed-136 drones are manufactured.
Expansion of the secret factory in Alabuga
The factory in Alabuga has expanded its production area by over 50% and has greatly increased the production of drones based on the Iranian Shahed-136 design. It employs inexpensive labor, including teenagers and young African women aged 18 to 22 from countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda. Two new buildings at the site are visible in satellite images shared on social media.
CNN journalists report that efforts to increase the number of Iranian drones in the arsenal of the Russian Federation have been underway since February 2022. That's when Russia began importing Shahed drones from Iran, and by early 2023, it had signed an agreement with Tehran to produce the drones within Russia. Alabuga has become the primary plant producing Shahed-136 drones, reaching the planned production of 6,000 drones a year ahead of schedule (originally planned for completion in September 2025).
Chinese components and new projects
It's worth noting that Shahed-136 drones feature a simple design and a relatively low production cost of about $20,000 each. These aerial devices have wings that open in a delta configuration, giving them a distinctive look. Their length is approximately 11 feet, with a wingspan of about 8 feet. These drones can be equipped with combat charges weighing up to 88 pounds. The Limbach L550E engine that powers the Shahed-136 allows a maximum speed of nearly 115 mph.
Russia is not only leveraging designs from Iran but also plans to produce 10,000 Geran drones by the end of 2024. These drones are based on a Chinese model from Skywalker Technology. CNN also highlights the construction of a new transport hub, the "Deng Xiaoping Logistics Complex," which is expected to handle up to 100,000 containers annually between Russia and China. It is situated near the factories in Alabuga.
