Ukrainian intelligence service: Russia already producing Shahed drones

Russia has begun to produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

After the recent attacks by Shahed drones, the components, testifying that these drones are being produced in Russia, have been found, Spokesman for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry, Major General Vadym Skibitskyi told RBC-Ukraine.

“An increase in the number of Russian parts in drones also testifies to this. Moreover, we know about Russia’s plans. The information has gone viral during one of the Russian exhibitions of the military-industrial complex that Moscow wants to master about 60 various UAVs by 2030,” Skibitskyi said.

“According to the Main Intelligence Directorate’s preliminary data, Russia planned to produce 1,300 so-called 'Geran-2', that is, 'Shahed' drones in the second half of 2023. The components of both foreign and domestic production are planned to be used. However, in reality, Russia today is incapable of producing such a number of UAVs,” he noted.

He added that the Main Intelligence Directorate is now collecting data on the actual capacity of the production deployed by Russia, the areas where these drones are produced, and which enterprises on the Russian territory are supplying parts.

The Ukrainian intelligence service said that the success of Russia’s plans will depend on the effectiveness of the sanctions and the "kinetic effect" on the facilities involved in the production of Shahed drones in the Russian Federation.