Russia's drone production soars: 10,000 units in 2024
According to inspections of one of the downed unmanned aerial vehicles of this type, the Russian Federation was supposed to produce at least 10,000 Shahed drones in 2024. Ukrainians noticed a marking on it indicating an increase in production pace.
In recent days, Ukrainians shot down a Russian Shahed-136 drone marked with the serial number "Y 11934." This discovery suggests that if the Russian Federation hadn't manipulated the numbers, their military industry would have increased production efficiency, reaching over 10,000 manufactured units in a year and 2,000 units monthly.
Increase in Shahed drone production
According to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, if the serial numbers are assigned consecutively without gaps, Russia produced about 10,000 Shahed drones on its own production lines in 2024. In February 2024, drones with the latest "Y" index had numbers above 2,600, while the first such markings appeared in July 2023.
The "Y" index is the latest mark for unmanned aerial vehicles. Initially, Russia used drones with the "M" index, marking constructions assembled in Iran. In 2023, drones with two other indexes (produced in Russia) appeared, but these series are no longer encountered.
Monthly production reaches about 2,000 units
Defense Express reports that a drone marked "Y 7069" was identified at the end of October 2024. One recently downed unmanned aerial vehicle, "Y 11934," suggests that monthly production has increased to 2,000 units.
The doubling of Shahed drone production in Russia remains a mystery, as it cannot be ruled out that Russians are using misleading markings. However, if the production rate increased from 1,000 to 2,000 units monthly, this represents a significant increase compared to previous months.
It's important to note that Shahed-136 drones are distinguished by simple construction and relatively low production costs. A single device costs about $20,000. These flying machines feature an open-wing delta design, reaching a length of about 11.5 feet and a wingspan of about 8 feet. Their combat payloads can weigh up to 88 pounds. The Shahed-136s are equipped with a Limbach L550E engine, allowing them to reach a maximum speed of about 115 mph.
