Russia Drone Factory: Kremlin Lifts Lid on Secretive Alabuga Expansion

In a rare and revealing moment, Russia has officially unveiled its secretive drone factory at Alabuga; a site believed to be the country’s primary hub for producing attack drones used in its ongoing war with Ukraine. The disclosure comes alongside satellite imagery showing rapid expansion, signaling Moscow’s commitment to ramping up domestic drone production.

On-Camera Defiance from Alabuga Director

Timur Shagivaleev, the director general of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, appeared on Russian state defense television’s docuseries Military Acceptance, filmed inside the facility. When asked by the interviewer if his openness could be used against him, Shagivaleev defiantly quoted a Soviet World War II hero:

“You don’t have the right to be afraid.”

Surrounded by rows of black, triangular attack drones; Iranian-designed Shahed UAVs (called Geran in Russian), Shagivaleev appeared confident. The plant he oversees has quietly become the heart of Russia’s drone warfare strategy.

Satellite Images Show Rapid Alabuga Expansion

Fresh satellite images analyzed by experts reveal a flurry of new construction since early 2025. Dozens of new buildings; including production facilities and dormitories, have appeared. This expansion is believed to support both drone manufacturing and housing for workers, including teenagers reportedly recruited for both assembly and construction tasks.

The scale and speed of the expansion indicate not just domestic production needs but possibly preparation for global drone exports.

Iranian Designs, Russian Assembly

The Alabuga facility has been assembling Shahed-series drones since 2023, following an agreement with Iran. But the newly released footage and factory insights suggest Russia has now fully localized the production, shifting away from foreign dependency. This includes the cheaper “Gerbera” drone variants, which are designed to function as decoys.

The transformation of Alabuga from an Iranian franchise to a Russian industrial stronghold reflects Moscow’s deeper investment in long-term drone warfare capabilities.

A Confident Kremlin

David Albright, former UN weapons inspector and head of the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), said the Kremlin’s decision to reveal the facility marks a turning point:

“The Russian authorities are feeling more confident about their ability to make drones,” Albright told CNN.
“It represents a commitment to long-term contracts. They’ll buy whatever the factory produces.”

This transparency, Albright believes, is intended to send a message to adversaries: Russia is not only sustaining its drone war, but also scaling it dramatically.

Conclusion

The Russia drone factory at Alabuga has emerged from secrecy into the spotlight, revealing a sophisticated and rapidly expanding operation that may soon churn out drones on a mass global scale. With satellite evidence confirming growth and the Kremlin openly promoting the site’s role in its military ambitions, Alabuga is no longer just a production site; it’s a symbol of Russia’s evolving drone warfare doctrine and industrial resilience.