Russia ramps up production of Shahed attack drones: over 6,000 new drones monthly
According to information released by CNN and citing Ukrainian military intelligence, Russia’s domestic industry is actively increasing its production of Shahed-type attack drones.
Sources indicate that in the near future, the country could reach a monthly output of over 6,000 such unmanned aerial vehicles — a significant step in enhancing its military capabilities.
The cost per drone has sharply decreased since the onset of the full-scale invasion.
In early 2022, Moscow paid an average of 200,000 U.S.
dollars for each drone imported from Iran, but by 2025, this price had fallen to approximately 70,000 dollars due to mass production at factories in Tatarstan, particularly in Alabuga.
Research from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggests that the cost of the Shahed-136 can range from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on configuration and production volume.
In comparison, the cost of a single interceptor missile exceeds 3 million dollars, making the cheaper drones an effective tool for escalating strikes.
The expansion of drone manufacturing allows Russia to intensify its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and cities.
Currently, mass attacks occur roughly every eight days, compared to once a month earlier.
Ukraine is compelled to spend increasing sums on intercepting these drones and is developing its own FPV aircraft and interceptors to counter the mass assaults.
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, Russia plans to launch up to 79,000 Shahed drones in 2025, posing a formidable challenge to Ukrainian defense efforts.