Russia has approved a plan to develop the Alabuga-Vologno factory in the Tatarstan region to increase the production of combat drones. This factory is affiliated with the state-owned company Rosatom, and its development will provide a production capacity of 500 tons of military carbon fiber per year by 2029. This lightweight and durable material is essential for constructing the bodies of drones.
Increase in Drone Production
With this increase in production, Russia is expected to be able to manufacture 28,000 combat drones per year, representing a 78 percent increase in production. According to experts, Russia currently produces over 36,000 combat drones known as "Geran" annually. These drones are used in attacks on cities in Ukraine as well as other parts of Europe.
Russia's Commitment to Drone Technology
This program reflects Russia's commitment to military drone technology and its aim to enhance its military power against Europe. The Alabuga-Vologno factory and its parent company, Rosatom, are subject to various sanctions due to their military activities. This year, the factory received a shipment of 46 tons of carbon fiber chemicals from a Chinese state-owned company.
Internal documents indicate that Rosatom and its affiliated companies are working to increase domestic carbon fiber production to reduce dependence on imports from China. This factory acts as a key point in Russia's military supply chain and aims to produce 130,000 drones by 2030 and 350,000 drones by 2035 to meet the country's defense needs.
Security Challenges for Europe
According to Sergey Kuzan, head of the Ukraine Security and Cooperation Center, the development of the Alabuga factory and its affiliated companies is not just a problem for the Ukrainian front but should be considered a long-term challenge for the security of all Europe. This development could put additional pressure on Ukrainian citizens as well as neighboring countries.
Experts believe that this increase in drone production will allow Russia to enhance its military capabilities deep within Ukrainian territory and use this technology as a coercive tool by exerting pressure on various targets. These drones help Russia saturate Ukraine's defenses and improve its missile attacks.
