(MENAFN) A Russian television network has unveiled footage of what it claims is the “largest drone assembly plant in the world,” located in the country’s central region. The facility, situated in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, reportedly manufactures thousands of drones intended for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The report, aired on Sunday, provided rare visuals from inside the sprawling factory, located more than 1,200 kilometers away from the front lines. The facility is dedicated to building Geran drones, which the broadcaster described as “simple, cheap, and... mass-produced,” while also being highly precise.

Footage showed rows of Geran drone airframes lined up inside the production halls, each standing slightly taller than an average adult. These drones are designed as long-range loitering munitions, featuring a delta-wing structure, a rear-mounted pusher propeller, and the ability to carry explosive warheads ranging from 40 to 50 kilograms. They are capable of flying more than 1,000 kilometers at cruising speeds of around 180 kilometers per hour.

According to Timur Shagivaleev, the head of Alabuga, output at the plant has surged far beyond initial forecasts. “At one time there was a plan to produce several thousand Gerans. Right now, we are producing nine times more than the original plan,” he said, though no specific timeline was provided.

This facility appears to play a central role in Russia’s expanding drone warfare capabilities, as the Ukraine conflict continues.

MENAFN21072025000045017281ID1109826262