Russia ramps up secret drone production with global labour push
The Russian Federation Army is persistently attacking Ukrainian cities using drones. The increase in these activities requires a boost in factory productivity. CNN reports that this is facilitated by a large drone factory where teenagers from Africa, among others, are incentivised by Moscow with the promise of development opportunities.
The number of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine has surged in recent months, from 400 in May to 2,400 in November. Ukrainians attempt to defend against them in various ways, primarily by using anti-aircraft defence systems. Nevertheless, the numerous attacks from Russia continue to pose a significant problem for Ukraine. CNN has 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 produced.
Expansion of the secret factory in Alabuga
The factory in Alabuga has increased its production area by over 50% and considerably increased drone production based on the Iranian Shahed-136 project. It employs cheap labour, including teenagers and African women aged 18 to 22 (from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda). Two new buildings at the facility are visible in satellite images published on social media.
CNN journalists note that the number of Iranian drones in the Russian Federation's arsenal has been increasing since February 2022. That is when Russia began importing Shahed drones from Iran, and in early 2023, it signed an agreement with Tehran to produce drones in Russia. Alabuga has become the primary plant producing Shahed-136 drones, achieving the planned production of 6,000 drones a year ahead of schedule (initially planned for September 2025).
Chinese components and new projects
Notably, Shahed-136 drones feature a simple design and a relatively low production cost of about £15,000 each. These devices have wings that open in a delta shape, giving them a distinctive appearance. Their length is approximately 3.4 metres, and the wingspan is about 2.4 metres. These drones can be equipped with combat payloads weighing up to 40 kilograms. The Limbach L550E engine that powers the Shahed-136 enables a maximum speed of nearly 185 km/h.
Russia is not only using 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 transport up to 100,000 containers annually between Russia and China. It is located near the factories in Alabuga.
