ISW: Russia is Facing Problems in the Production of 'Shaheds'.

The pace of production of strike drones 'Shahed' may decrease

The Institute for the Study of War announced a possible decrease in the pace of production of strike drones 'Shahed' in Russia. Instead, the state may focus on the production of decoy drones to bypass and overload Ukrainian air defenses.

According to the head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation Andrii Kovalенко, more than 6000 'Shahed' drones and thousands of decoy drones were produced in the Russian special economic zone 'Alabuga' in 2024.

According to ISW data, 5760 'Shahed' drones were manufactured at this plant from January to September 2024. This indicates that extraction decreased from October to December of last year.

It is noted that Russia, trying to maintain high production rates of 'Shahed' drones, is doing everything possible to have enough materials. Moreover, Russia relies on Iran for the supply of components for drones or attempts to acquire high-tech components from abroad, bypassing sanctions.

Experts believe that the Russian defense industry may also be looking for ways to produce components for drones within the country using Iranian production licenses.

It is likely that Russia will focus its attention on the production of decoy drones to bypass and overload Ukrainian air defenses instead of strike drones 'Shahed'.