Satellite images show that Russians have made progress in building a plant to produce advanced Iranian kamikaze drones in Tatarstan. Russia plans to use the drones to attack Ukraine's energy sector, Reuters reports.
Satellite images provided by the Institute of Science and International Security show progress in the construction of a plant that will mass-produce drones.
"Despite this, the United States and its allies have not imposed sanctions on the plant's owner, Alabuga JSC, and its associated companies," the organization said in a report.
The plant is located 800 kilometers from Moscow in Tatarstan. Alabuga is 66% owned by the federal government and 34% by the republic.
The document also states that a satellite image taken in mid-September proved that the plant is being built according to a plan obtained by the Washington Post in early 2023.
It is not specified at what stage the construction is at. It is only said that the construction of outbuildings and new security perimeters with checkpoints is already underway.
The building will be used for the mass production of Shahed-136 drones, and the Russians intend to improve the manufacturing processes of Iranian UAVs and expand their capabilities.
"As winter approaches, we can expect Russia to accelerate its attacks on Ukraine's vital energy infrastructure with drones and create harsh living conditions for the civilian population. Therefore, the key overdue step for Washington is to impose sanctions against Alabuga and its related companies," the Institute for Science and International Security emphasized.
