**Russia Boosts Drone Production**
Russia has increased its production of Shahed-136 drones and cheaper decoy drones at a factory in Tatarstan. This factory, located over 1,300 kilometers from the Ukraine border, is important for Moscow’s drone manufacturing plans.
**High Output Figures**
The Yelabuga drone factory produced 2,738 Shahed-type drones in 2023. In the first nine months of 2024, this number more than doubled to 5,760 units. The facility also started producing decoy drones called Gerbera, which mimic the radar signature of real Shaheds but are made from plywood and foam plastic.
**More Decoy Drones Planned**
Russia plans to produce 10,000 Gerberas by the end of 2024. This is twice the number of Geran drones produced. Each Gerbera reportedly costs 10 times less than a Geran to make.
**Importing Components from China and Africa**
The production surge at the factory is helped by importing components from China and recruiting low-skilled labor, including local teenagers and workers from Africa. The Alabuga Start project actively recruits African workers for the program.
**China’s Alleged Involvement**
Despite official statements of neutrality, China allegedly supplies drone components and technology through a network of 34 companies. Satellite imagery reportedly showed a 55% increase in production space at the Alabuga site and enhanced facility security from March to September 2023.
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