Russia has significantly expanded its capacity for the production of Shahed kamikaze drones, reaching a record output of 6,000 units per month, CNN reported, citing Ukrainian intelligence sources.

The cost of producing these drones has dropped dramatically. In 2022, one Shahed cost about $200,000, while by 2025 the price is expected to drop to about $70,000. This trend is associated with the expansion of production at the Shahed factory in Tatarstan, which has become a central hub for mass production.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that the real cost of a drone ranges between $20,000 and $50,000, making the Shahed a relatively cheap weapon compared to the damage it inflicts.

The effectiveness of drones has also increased significantly. While in the past the success rate was low, now about 20% of Shaheds manage to hit their targets.

Their widespread use is seen as a key element of Russia’s strategy to exert constant pressure on Ukraine in order to overload its air defense systems and increase the cost of defense for Kiev. | BGNES