Number of air defense positions around Russia’s Alabuga drone production hub rises to 33, Radio Free Europe reports

The number of air defense positions surrounding Russia's Alabuga drone production hub has increased to 33, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after examining a satellite image taken on October 21. Since the spring, several concrete towers have been constructed to accommodate air defense systems in the region, along with new platforms designed for Pantsir and Tor air defense systems.

Alabuga has become one of the most heavily fortified locations in Russia, surpassing even Vladimir Putin's residence in Valdai, which is protected by 31 known towers for air defense systems and two locations for S-300 or S-400 surface-to-air missile systems.

In August, the Institute for Science and International Security revealed that a large-scale anti-drone defense complex was under construction at Alabuga in Russia's Tatarstan. Satellite images from July and August indicated the construction of large lattice towers near production sites within the special economic zone, which encompasses facilities responsible for assembling Geran attack drones and the Alabuga-Volokno plant, which produces carbon fiber utilized in drone manufacturing.

The most recent Ukrainian drone attack on Alabuga, resulting in documented ground damage, occurred in June 2025. It has been reported that up to 12,000 North Koreans are employed at Russia's Alabuga drone plant under conditions of forced labor, as stated in a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

In addition to the air defense enhancements, Alabuga Polytech in Russia's Tatarstan has launched a recruiting campaign targeting students, urging them to "Complete your military service working with Geran drones." The university has also initiated a social media campaign to attract minors for the assembly of Shahed drones. Furthermore, OSINT analysts have reported the construction of 24 new Pantsir air defense towers around Moscow, suggesting that a similar S-400 air defense position may be under development in a Moscow park.