Russia ramps up drone production, nears 10,000 annually
The Russian Federation will produce at least 10,000 Shahed drones in 2024. This conclusion was drawn from examining one of the downed unmanned aircraft of this type. Ukrainians observed markings that indicate an accelerated production pace.
The Ukrainians recently shot down a Russian Shahed-136 drone with the serial number "Y 11934." This discovery suggests that if the Russian Federation is not manipulating the figures, its defense industry has increased production efficiency, reaching over 10,000 units annually and 2,000 units monthly.
Increase in Shahed drone production
According to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, if serial numbers are assigned consecutively, it implies that Russia has produced about 10,000 Shahed drones on their own production lines in 2024. In February 2024, drones with the newest "Y" index had numbers above 2600, while the first such markings appeared in July 2023.
The "Y" index is the latest designation for unmanned aerial vehicles. Initially, Russia used drones with the "M" index to mark structures assembled in Iran. In 2023, drones bearing two other indices (produced in Russia) emerged, but these series have not been encountered recently.
Monthly production reaches around 2,000 units
Defense Express reports that at the end of October 2024, a drone with the number "Y 7069" was identified. One recently downed unmanned aerial vehicle bore the number "Y 11934", suggesting that monthly production has increased to 2,000 units.
The doubling of Shahed drone production in Russia remains puzzling, as it cannot be ruled out that misleading markings are being used. However, if the production pace increased from 1,000 to 2,000 units monthly, this marks a significant rise compared to previous months.
It is important to note that Shahed-136 drones are characterized by a simple design and relatively low production cost. A single unit costs about 20,000 dollars. These flying machines have an open-wing delta shape, a length of about 11.5 feet, and a wingspan of around 8 feet. Their combat loads can weigh up to 88 pounds. The Shahed-136 is equipped with a Limbach L550E engine, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of approximately 115 mph.
