Russia expands underground facilities for Shahed drone production in Alabuga zone

Russia is significantly enlarging the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan to safeguard and increase output of Shahed-136 drones. The expansion features extensive underground workshops designed to house critical manufacturing steps, making the facilities harder to hit with aerial attacks. Above ground, new halls are being erected to accommodate composite-body assembly, engine production, metal casting, and electronic circuitry work.

The site also contains dedicated hangars for storing completed drones and a launch ramp for test flights. Protective structures are being added around the most vital areas to further deter drone or missile strikes. These developments indicate a concerted effort to fortify and scale the drone-building capability within the region.