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Military Installation In Tatarstan Produces Thousands Of Drones Per Month And Became Target Of Criticism For Using Child Labor
The largest drone factory in the world is located in Russia, specifically in the Tatarstan region, and has been drawing international attention not only for its production capacity but also for the use of teenagers in the assembly of military equipment. The facility, which supplies the Russian Army with Geran-2 kamikaze drones, operates within the special economic zone of Yelabuga.
According to reports from Reuters and The Telegraph, based on a documentary aired by the Russian state television Zvezda, teenagers around 15 years old have been seen operating equipment on the assembly lines. According to the video, these young individuals are recruited directly after ninth grade and enrolled in a technical school maintained by the factory itself.
Accelerated Production And Large-Scale Drones
The Yelabuga complex is the center of Geran-2 production, the Russian version of the Iranian Shahed 136 drones. With the capacity to produce more than 5,000 units per month, the factory has reportedly manufactured 18,000 drones in just the first half of 2025, according to estimates from sources linked to the Kremlin. The facility’s director, Timur Shagivaleyev, claimed that current production is “nine times greater” than the initial plan, although he did not specify the period.
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Measuring 3.5 meters in length and with a range of up to 1,800 km, the Geran-2 drones are equipped with 50 kg warheads and can fly at 300 km/h. The cost, ranging between R$ 195,000 and R$ 280,000, is significantly lower than that of Western missiles, such as those from the Patriot system, which can exceed R$ 30 million.
Criticism Of Young Labor And Use Of US Vehicles
The presence of teenagers working in the largest drone factory in the world has sparked international criticism. In the video released by the state channel, youth is portrayed as part of a patriotic effort. However, reports indicate that the Russian government intends to replicate this model in other regions, expanding the militarization of youth and national arms production.
Another controversial point is the use of Dodge Ram 1500 trucks, made in the USA, in the operation of the factory. These vehicles are used to launch drones in the field, which may constitute a violation of international sanctions. The complex also features its own test runway and is strategically located near the Kama River, which links to the Volga, facilitating the transport of parts — possibly coming from Iran.
Escalation In The Use Of Drones And Civil Impacts
Mass production of drones plays a strategic role in Russia’s war against Ukraine. In July, Moscow reportedly launched 741 drones and missiles in a single night, the largest attack ever recorded. European officials warn that the country may soon double that number, reaching 2,000 drones per day.
Although the Russian government claims that the targets are military, UN data indicates that over 13,000 Ukrainian civilians have died since the conflict began. Drones have been used to target power lines and civilian infrastructure, amplifying the humanitarian impact of the war.
Do you believe that the use of teenagers in military factories should be condemned internationally? Or is it a sovereign choice of each country? Leave your opinion in the comments.
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