Moscow relies on its allies, when it comes to sustaining its drone program. Russia continues to ramp up production of long-range drones, partly due to support from China, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports. 

“Russia is increasingly relying on the PRC for its drone components and would not be able to sustain the pace or mass of its Shahed-type drone production without these components,” experts note.

China as a key supplier

The experts also drew attention to a recent investigation by the Ukrainian organization Frontelligence Insight, which revealed that the Russian Alabuga facility alone depends on China for at least 41 components in producing long-range strike drones.

These include engines, electronic and mechanical parts, batteries, antennas, radios, carbon fuel units, carburetors, and telecommunication components.

Assembly, not production

Frontelligence Insight assesses that many drones Russia claims to produce domestically are in fact only assembled there, given the large share of Chinese-made parts used in their construction.

Experts state that Russia has significantly expanded domestic Shahed-type drone production, including the “Geran,” “Harpia,” and “Herbera” variants.

Production is centered in the Republic of Tatarstan, with a new production line recently launched at the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant, where “Harpia” drones (Shahed analogues with PRC components) are also assembled.

Russia has made major investments in expanding the Alabuga drone plant, supporting its infrastructure, and recruiting women, children, and foreign workers for its operations.

Additionally, Russia has opened a special logistics hub at this plant to receive and process freight trains directly from China, likely aimed at streamlining the delivery of Chinese components for drone production in the special economic zone.