The enterprise manufactures Iranian-designed UAVs using components sourced from China. The factory employs very young, low-skilled labor, consisting of Russian teenagers and African women, according to a channel based on its own analysis of social media data and assessments from Ukrainian military intelligence sources.
CNN sources reported that the factory also produces thousands of "Gerber" drone decoys without charging units, aimed at exhausting Ukrainian air defense. Satellite images analyzed by CNN and experts indicate that two additional buildings have been constructed on the factory premises and security has been increased.
"Alabuga," according to American journalists, is the primary UAV manufacturing facility. In 2023, the factory produced 2,738 drones, and in the first nine months of 2024, it increased that number more than twofold, producing 5,760 units from January to September, as reported by Ukrainian intelligence.
By the end of 2024, Russia intends to produce about 10,000 "Gerber" drones, the channel notes. Their cost is likely a key factor influencing the Russians' strategy, as manufacturing one of these drones is ten times cheaper than producing a Shahed, according to sources.