Russia accelerates drone production with Iranian designs, African workforce

The Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Russia has become a pivotal hub in the intensifying drone warfare witnessed in Ukraine, reported The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

With advanced drone technologies and a workforce from diverse backgrounds, including Africa, this facility has propelled Russia’s drone production to new heights. The impact is felt across the conflict, shaping strategic dynamics and influencing outcomes on the battlefield.

Last month, a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle targeted a high-tech college and manufacturing complex in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone.

The strike aimed to disrupt the production of Iranian-designed drones used by Russia in the conflict, injuring around 20 individuals, including engineering students from East Africa.

The Alabuga plant has been instrumental in the production of M3 “Albatross” reconnaissance drones, providing detailed photographic intelligence on Ukrainian positions. These drones have reportedly helped repel Ukrainian incursions in Russia’s Belgorod region. Russia has also begun producing its own warheads for these drones, expediting the production process.

This incident highlights the escalating drone warfare in Ukraine, with Russia rapidly increasing its production of Iranian-designed drones using Chinese components and an African workforce. Known as “mopeds” among Ukrainians because of their distinctive sound, Russia has used extensively these drones in attacks on critical Ukrainian infrastructure.

Ukraine’s successful use of Turkish-made drones earlier in the conflict prompted Moscow to seek access to Iranian drones, resulting in Russia deploying over 4,000 Shahed attack drones.

This partnership also involved sourcing components from China, including engines from Beijing MicroPilot UAV Flight Control Systems.

The Alabuga facility, financed partly in gold bars, aims to produce 6,000 Shahed attack drones annually. A former employee, Henry Thompson, confirmed that recent versions of the Shahed drones were made in Russia. Following a heavy Russian drone attack on April 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Ukraine could soon run out of air-defense missiles if the attacks continued at their current intensity.

Moscow’s increased drone production is supported by Iran’s logistics networks, which have long evaded Western sanctions. Many of Iran’s front companies are based in places like Hong Kong or Dubai. The U.S. has blacklisted numerous such firms, but their networks quickly adapt, creating new companies to continue operations.

One such front company, Generation Trading FZE in the UAE, has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for selling drone models, spare parts and connected ground stations to Russia.

Another Iranian entity, Sahara Thunder, has been involved in Russia’s drone project under the guise of producing boats.

Russia sought skilled workers beyond local technical colleges to meet its drone production goals, turning to Africa to fill the gap. The Alabuga plant continues to play a crucial role in Russia’s drone warfare strategy, significantly impacting the conflict dynamics in Ukraine.