Russia expands Yelabuga drone factory to boost Geran production

Russia is significantly expanding its drone manufacturing capabilities at a facility in Yelabuga, Tatarstan. The factory produces Geran-series drones, which are based on Iranian Shahed technology and used in attacks against Ukraine.

Satellite imagery indicates the site is expanding to cover over 1,000 hectares, including new production plants, warehouses, and defensive fortifications such as air defense positions and netting towers to protect against Ukrainian strikes. To meet high production demands, the facility is facing labor shortages. Reports indicate that recruitment efforts include local students and teenagers from occupied Ukrainian territories. Additionally, a program known as ‘Yelabuga Start’ has been used to recruit young women from abroad under the guise of educational opportunities, only to employ them as low-cost labor.

Estimates regarding production volume vary. A March analysis by the CSIS estimated production at over 5,500 drones per month, while Ukrainian intelligence suggested Russia aimed to produce up to 11,000 Geran-series drones at the site by August.