In southern Russia, a secretive factory called Alabuga has quickly become a key part of Russia’s military effort in the war against Ukraine. This factory produces attack drones known as “Geran” in Russian, based on Iranian Shahed drone designs.
For nearly three years, Alabuga has been making these drones, but recently the factory has grown rapidly. Satellite images show many new buildings and dormitories being built at the site since early 2025. Experts believe these new buildings could house up to 40,000 workers, which means drone production might increase a lot.
The director of the factory, Timur Shagivaleev, appeared on Russian TV to show the inside of Alabuga for the first time. He proudly said that the factory now makes almost all parts of the drones locally, including engines, electronics, and fuselages. This means Russia no longer depends on Iran or other countries for key drone parts.
Alabuga produces two main types of drones: the Shahed-style attack drones and cheaper decoy drones called “Gerbera.” In 2024 alone, the factory made thousands of drones, and production is expected to grow even more in 2025.
However, there is a dark side to this rapid growth. To keep up with the increasing demand, the factory has been recruiting teenagers, some as young as 15, through local colleges and youth programs. These young workers not only help build drones but are also involved in constructing new dormitories and facilities. The use of underage workers has led to sanctions against Shagivaleev by the US Treasury.
The expansion at Alabuga is part of a bigger Russian effort to increase drone attacks on Ukraine. In June 2025, Russia launched nearly 5,500 drones, 16 times more than the previous year. These attacks cause constant fear and disruption in Ukrainian cities, forcing families like Oleksandr Krupnyk’s to hide in shelters almost every night.
Experts also warn that Russia might sell these drones to other countries and may have shared technology with North Korea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that these weapons could threaten peace far beyond Ukraine, affecting places like Seoul and Tokyo.
Despite the destruction, Ukraine continues to fight back, carrying out deep strikes on Russian targets, including the Alabuga factory itself.
The story of Alabuga shows how the war is not just fought on the battlefield but also in secret factories, where new weapons and technologies are changing the face of modern warfare—and the lives of young workers caught in the middle.
