Russia Expands Alabuga Drone Factory by 340 Hectares and Begins Re-Exporting to Iran

Satellite imagery from May 2026 confirms that the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Tatarstan, Russia’s primary hub for manufacturing “Geran” (Shahed-type) drones, has expanded its territory by 340 hectares over the past year. New industrial hangars, dormitories for foreign workers, and a massive 450-hectare construction site south of the M-12 “Vostok” highway have been identified. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied The northern part of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, May 2026. (Photo by Radio Liberty) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Russia has significantly accelerated the physical expansion of its most critical drone manufacturing hub, the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, over the past twelve months. According to satellite imagery analysis published by Radio Liberty , the facility’s footprint grew by 340 hectares between May 2025 and May 2026. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The expansion includes the construction of massive new hangars in the northern sector and the completion of new residential and production buildings in the central complex. Further intelligence reveals that the Kremlin began active construction on an additional 450-hectare site south of the federal M-12 “Vostok” highway in April 2026. The southern part of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, May 2026. (Photo by Radio Liberty) This new territory is linked to the main economic zone via a dedicated road currently under construction. Alabuga has become the primary production center for the “Geran” strike drones, which were originally designed based on Iranian Shahed technology. Russian engineers have reportedly refined these models so extensively that they are now being re-exported to Iran to support Tehran’s operations in the Middle East . Other Topics of Interest Putin Claims War ‘Coming to an End’ and Offers to Meet Zelensky in Moscow Following the May 9 parade, Vladimir Putin asserted that the “conflict in Ukraine is moving toward its end” while repeating several controversial claims regarding the war’s history and potential resolution. Putin stated he is willing to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow or a third country, though he specified that a meeting in a neutral location would only occur to sign a final agreement. Global Recruitment and secretive labor at Alabuga In 2025, Russia has leveraged BRICS organizations and social media influencers to r ecruit young women (ages 18–22) from South Africa, Asia, and other African nations . Many were initially promised jobs in construction or hospitality before being funneled into drone assembly lines. Plant Director Timur Shagivaleyev – who is currently charged in absentia by Ukraine’s Security Service ( SBU ) – claims Alabuga is the “world’s largest” and “most secretive” drone factory. The plant is reportedly on track to manufacture nine times more aircraft compared to its 2024 output. Investigative journalists have identified over 2,000 employees at the site and uncovered ties between high-level management and Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). The drones produced at Alabuga are a mainstay of Russia’s aerial campaign against Ukraine . The continued expansion of the Tatarstan site suggests that Moscow is prioritizing long-term, high-volume production as part of its broader military strategy. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.