Secret drone factory in Alabuga fuels Russian attacks on Ukraine
The Russian Federation Army is continuously launching drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. The increase in such activities necessitates higher factory productivity. CNN reports this is achievable due to a large drone factory where teenagers from Africa, among others, are encouraged by Moscow with prospects of development.
The number of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine has surged over recent months, from 400 in May to 2,400 in November. Ukrainians are attempting to defend themselves using anti-aircraft defence systems. However, numerous attacks from Russia continue to pose a significant challenge for Ukraine. CNN has now obtained information about a secret factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, which enables such intensive attacks. This is where Shahed-136 drones are manufactured.
Expansion of the secret factory in Alabuga
The factory in Alabuga has increased its production area by over 50% and has significantly increased the production of drones based on the Iranian Shahed-136 model. It employs cheap labour, including teenagers and African women aged 18 to 22 (from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda). Two new buildings at the site are visible in satellite images published on social media.
CNN journalists have calculated that the increase in Iranian drones in the Russian Federation's arsenal has been underway since February 2022. At that time, Russia started importing Shahed drones from Iran, and in early 2023, it signed an agreement with Tehran to produce drones domestically. Alabuga has become the main facility for producing Shahed-136 drones, achieving the planned production of 6,000 drones a year ahead of schedule (originally planned for September 2025).
Chinese components and new projects
It's worth remembering that Shahed-136 drones feature a simple design and a relatively low production cost of about $20,000 CAD each. These flying devices have distinctly shaped delta wings. Their length is approximately 3.4 metres, and the wingspan is about 2.4 metres. These drones can be equipped with combat charges weighing up to 40 kilograms. The Limbach L550E engine that powers the Shahed-136 allows for a maximum speed of nearly 185 kilometres per hour.
Russia is using designs from Iran and 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.
