Ukrainian Drones Continues Strikes on Russian Drone Factory
Ukrainian drones have repeatedly targeted a factory in Yelabuga, Russia, known for producing Shahed drones, located approximately 1,200 kilometers from the border. However, the operation faces significant challenges due to a robust air defense system deployed by Russia around the site, reports 24brussels.
Oleg Katkov, the editor-in-chief of Defense Express, stated on the “Espreso” channel that Ukrainian long-range drones have successfully reached Yelabuga, but Russian air defense systems are actively intercepting them. Available footage shows the operation of systems such as the Pantsir and Tor, and likely the S-400. This region holds strategic importance, with not only the drone factory located within several dozen kilometers but also the Kama Hydroelectric Power Station and the city of Naberezhnye Chelny, home to the KAMAZ enterprise.
Katkov emphasized that the dense air defense network in the area was established during the Soviet era and has since been reinforced by the deployment of military aviation tasked with drone protection.
“When Ukraine can only strike with drones, without missile support, it is an extremely complex task. However, even under such conditions, our drones sometimes reach their targets,” he noted.
Katkov also commented on a recent propaganda video from the Yelabuga factory, which, according to him, showcases the scale of Shahed production. These clips are not new but reaffirm that large full-cycle workshops operate within the special economic zone, including the assembly of drones made from carbon fiber.
“Yelabuga also hosts one of Russia’s largest carbon fiber manufacturers. This means logistical chains are efficiently structured,” he added.
Additionally, Andriy Kovalенко, the head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, reported that last year, the factory in Yelabuga (Tatarstan) produced 6,000 Shahed/Geran drones and thousands of imitation drones. For the current year, the target is to manufacture between 8,000 and 10,000 Shahed drones and at least 1,500 imitation drones.
On June 15, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the damage to drone production capabilities in Yelabuga.
