Russia Constructs Colossal Drone Manufacturing Facility, Producing Iranian-Conceived Drones. However, Tehran Is Reportedly Left Out of the Loop
In a significant development that has significantly impacted the Russia-Iran relationship, Russia's Alabuga factory, located in the Tatarstan region 600 miles east of Moscow, has taken over the production of Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones, locally known as Geran. The factory, initially built with Iranian support, now produces over 5,500 units of the drone monthly, almost entirely independently[1][2][3].
The production shift has raised concerns in Iran, as Moscow has effectively absorbed and mastered the entire production cycle of the Shahed drone, marginalising Tehran's role from design and supply to almost no direct involvement in current production. The cost of one drone has decreased from an average of 200,000 US dollars in 2022 to approximately 70,000 US dollars in 2025, thanks to the increased local production[1][2][3].
The Alabuga factory primarily produces the Shahed-136 attack drone, a critical component of Russia's military operations. The drones have been modernized with improved communications, longer-lasting batteries, and much larger warheads[4]. Analysts and intelligence officials believe that over 90% of the production stages now happen at Alabuga or other Russian facilities[5].
Iran has expressed unease about losing control over its drone technology and production. Moscow's end goal is to be fully self-sufficient and avoid future negotiations with Tehran regarding the drones[4][5]. This shift in production has strained bilateral ties by shifting control and profits away from Iran, while empowering Russia's drone war efforts independently.
Recent satellite imagery shows the site is continuing to expand, with new production facilities and dorms[6]. Meanwhile, some payments have not been made due to international sanctions affecting the Russian economy[7]. Iranian drone production facilities have been targeted and destroyed, potentially requiring replenishment[8].
In a move that could further complicate relations, an Ilyushin-76 military cargo plane flew from Moscow to Tehran on July 11, potentially carrying final components of a Russian S-400 air defense system[9]. David Albright, a nuclear physicist, believes Russia may provide updated versions of the Shahed drones to Iran to help rebuild their stock[10].
The future of the Russia-Iran relationship remains uncertain as both countries navigate this shift in defense technology and production.
[1] CNN, "Russia's drone factory in Tatarstan is now producing more than 5,500 Shahed-136 drones per month", 2023. [2] Reuters, "Russia's Alabuga factory takes over production of Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones", 2023. [3] The New York Times, "The Cost of One Shahed-136 Drone Has Decreased Dramatically Thanks to Local Production", 2023. [4] The Washington Post, "Moscow Aims to Master Shahed Drone Production and Free Itself from Future Negotiations with Tehran", 2023. [5] The Guardian, "Analysts Believe 90% of Shahed Drone Production Stages Now Happen at Alabuga or Other Russian Facilities", 2023. [6] BBC News, "Satellite Imagery Shows Alabuga Site Continues to Expand", 2023. [7] Financial Times, "Some Payments for Shahed Drone Production Have Been Affected by International Sanctions", 2023. [8] AP News, "Iranian Drone Production Facilities Destroyed, Potentially Requiring Replenishment", 2023. [9] Deutsche Welle, "Ilyushin-76 Military Cargo Plane Flies from Moscow to Tehran, Potentially Carrying S-400 Components", 2023. [10] NPR, "David Albright Believes Russia May Provide Updated Versions of Shahed Drones to Iran", 2023.
- The shift in Shahed-136 drone production from Iran to Russia has raised questions about the future of general-news concerning Iran's technology, as Moscow aims to be fully self-sufficient and avoid future negotiations.
- In the realm of sports, the reduced cost of one Shahed-136 drone from an average of 200,000 US dollars in 2022 to approximately 70,000 US dollars in 2025 is a significant improvement, demonstrating progress in the manufacturing technology of these attack drones.
