BILD: Russia expands Yelabuga drone factory as production surges

Russia is significantly expanding and fortifying its drone production complex in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, as it seeks to increase the output of Geran attack drones used in strikes against Ukraine.

According to satellite imagery analysed by BILD, the expansion now covers more than 1,000 hectares, with new production facilities, warehouses and transport infrastructure being built. The site manufactures Russian Geran-series drones based on Iran’s Shahed designs.

Production has reportedly reached thousands of drones per month. A March analysis by the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated output at more than 5,500 drones per month, while Ukraine’s military intelligence said Russia planned to produce 11,000 attack drones of various Geran models in August.

The rapid expansion has also created a growing demand for workers. Yelabuga Polytechnic is reportedly training young people for employment at the complex, while the Yelabuga Start program has recruited young women from abroad under the guise of educational opportunities. The UK sanctioned several individuals and organisations linked to the recruitment program in May.

Russia is also strengthening the facility’s defences. Two rings of towers are being constructed around key production areas. The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), which analysed satellite imagery, said metal nets could potentially be installed between the towers to protect the facilities from Ukrainian drones. Several air-defence positions have also been established around Yelabuga.

By Vugar Khalilov