Secret factory in Russia expands production of Iranian-designed drones - CNN
A clandestine factory in Russia is significantly scaling up production of Iranian-designed drones for use in the Ukraine war, according to a CNN investigation.
A clandestine factory in Russia is significantly scaling up production of Iranian-designed drones for use in the Ukraine war, according to a CNN investigation.
The plant, located in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Russia's southern Tatarstan region, utilizes a range of Chinese components in the production of these Iranian-designed attack and surveillance drones, according to the report.
Satellite imagery analyzed by CNN and experts shows that two additional buildings have been constructed at the site, and security increased.
In June 2023, US intelligence alleged Iran was aiding Russia in building a drone manufacturing facility in Yelabuga, within the Alabuga Special Economic Zone on the steppes of the Tatarstan region.
The plant focuses on producing Shahed-136 drones domestically, which Russia rebranded as the Geran-2. The collaboration aims to manufacture approximately 6,000 drones by mid-2025, ensuring a consistent supply for Russia's military needs.
CNN's analysis of associated social media accounts and assessments from Ukrainian defense intelligence sources reveal the factory's significant expansion and its reliance on a young, low-skilled workforce of Russian teenagers and African women.
The sources, who spoke to CNN anonymously for safety reasons, said that the factory is now also producing thousands of “decoy” drones, designed to exhaust Ukrainian defenses.
