Russia continues to actively ramp up the production of long-range strike drones, receiving significant support from the People’s Republic of China. These conclusions are drawn from a report by analysts who highlight the critical role of Chinese components for the Russian defense industry.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Increase in Production and Special Economic Zones
In recent months, Russia has significantly boosted its domestic production of Shahed-type drones, as well as their counterparts – Geran, Harpy (modified models with components from China), and decoy drones Gerberi. The main production of these unmanned aerial vehicles is organized in the special economic zone of Alabuga in Tatarstan. Additionally, a new line for the production of Shahed-type drones has recently been launched at the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant, where Harpy drones are already being manufactured.
As part of the development of drone production, Russia has invested significant resources in modernizing the plant in Alabuga, enhanced infrastructure support, and is also involving women, children, and foreigners in this special economic zone.
“Russia is increasingly relying on China for drone components and would not be able to maintain the pace or mass production of Shahed-type drones without these components,” analysts state.
Key Role of China in Providing Components
Investigations by the Ukrainian intelligence organization Frontelligence Insight confirm that the production of drones in Alabuga depends on at least 41 separate components from China. These include engines, electronic and mechanical elements, batteries, antennas, radios, coal fuel units, carburetors, and telecommunications parts.
Additionally, Russia has established a specialized logistics center in Alabuga for direct rail shipments from China, significantly simplifying the supply chain for drone production in this region.
Estimates suggest that Russia is currently capable of producing up to 2,700 combat Shahed-type drones each month. Iran transferred the technology for producing Shahed-136 kamikaze drones to Russia back in the fall of 2022, after which domestic production was launched in Alabuga. The models, which have been designated as Geran-2 in Russia, have already been significantly upgraded, and the Russian army is capable of launching up to 500 drones in a single night.