Ukraine raises alarm as Russia expands Shahed drone production
5:37 AM EST, November 9, 2023
Ukrainian intelligence is convinced that Russia is successfully escalating the production of Shahed drones. This weapon, relatively inexpensive and simple to construct, is increasingly employed for attacks on both military and non-military targets, including critical infrastructure and civilians.
A representative of Ukrainian intelligence, Vadym Skibitsky, informed RBC-Ukraine that Russia has initiated the preparation of a manufacturing facility specifically for Shahed drones. Moscow's similar plans were reported earlier, but now specific actions are observable.
The drone manufacturing plant is under construction in Alabuga, a city in the Republic of Tatarstan. Being over 620 miles away from the Ukrainian border significantly enhances its security, as Ukraine typically targets facilities in Russia at closer proximity.
Russia's Shahed drone factory
Vadym Skibitsky also noted that, according to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia and Iran have already fulfilled their first contracts involving the supply of partly-assembled kamikaze drones of this type. Presently, Shahed drone shipments to Russia are presumably in small batches of pre-assembled devices and essential components for manufacturing. Previously, these primarily involved fully completed drones.
Ukrainian intelligence assesses that Russia aims to manufacture at least 200 Shahed drones monthly at the new facility. In due course, the assembly could start from scratch, utilizing components not solely from Iran. It's estimated that the cost of preparing one Shahed-136 model does not exceed $20,000. Constructing a smaller Shahed-131 might cost even less.
The drones being made in Russia—though not on a grand scale yet—are labelled Geran-2, but they do not significantly differ from their Iranian counterparts in structure and capabilities.
The Shahed-131 features a range of about 559 miles, while the Shahed-136 has an extended range of over 1242 miles. The maximum speed of these drones is similar, hovering around 118 mph.
Besides flight range, the crucial distinction lies in the dimensions and weight of the payload they can transport. The Shahed-131 is fitted with a warhead weighing around 33 lbs, while this component in the Shahed-136 weighs up to 88 lbs.
