**Russia’s Drone Factory: A Rare Glimpse Inside**
In a rare move, Russia’s state TV channel Zvezda has shown the country’s largest drone factory, where hundreds of workers – including teenagers – are making kamikaze drones to attack Ukraine. The documentary film, broadcast on Sunday, gave a glimpse into the secretive facility, which has been targeted by Ukrainian long-range drones.
**A Young Workforce**
The footage showed young people, with their faces blurred out, studying computer screens or making and testing individual components of the Geran-2 drone. The factory’s general director, Timur Shagivaleyev, revealed that the company had invited school pupils to study at a college near the factory once they had completed ninth grade (aged 14-15). These students were then able to work at the factory after finishing their studies.
**Mass Production**
The documentary claimed that the Alabuga factory was producing nine times more Geran-2 drones than initially planned. However, no detailed production figures were disclosed by the director. This revelation comes as Russia has increased its drone production in recent months, with a Russian think tank suggesting a 16.9% jump in May compared to the previous month.
**Impact on Ukraine**
Ukraine has been severely affected by the use of these drones. According to the United Nations, more than 13,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since the war began in 2022. The country’s energy infrastructure has also been targeted by Russian drones. Ukraine claims that Russia uses the Geran drones to terrorize and kill civilians, including in the capital Kyiv.
**A New Era of Warfare**
The use of drones on a huge scale is becoming increasingly common in modern warfare. Both Russia and Ukraine have deployed these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to spot and hit targets not only on the battlefield but also beyond the front lines. The design of the Geran-2 drone originated in Iran, and it has been used to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
**A Message from State TV**
The documentary was set to upbeat music, part of Zvezda’s mission to keep Russians interested in and supportive of the war. This move highlights the Russian government’s efforts to promote a positive narrative about its military actions in Ukraine.
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