Among the recently downed russian long-range kamikaze drones, one Shahed-136 with the serial number "Ы 11934" was documented. A photo captured by Anadolu Agency and distributed via Getty Images shows the debris of the drone, which the enemy used during an attack on Kharkiv on December 21.
If the serial numbers are sequential with no gaps, this indicates that russia has produced approximately 10,000 Shaheds domestically in 2024. In February 2024, drones with the "Ы" index already had numbers exceeding 2,600, and the first instance of this marking was recorded in July 2023.
Read more: Fire Destroys Drone Component Warehouse in russia’s Alabuga Economic Zone (Video)
Initially, russia used drones marked with the "М" index, believed to be exclusively assembled in Iran. Starting in 2023, models with the "К" index and, to a limited extent, "КБ" appeared, signaling the beginning of local assembly in russia. However, this series is no longer observed.
This suggests that Shahed production in Alabuga has achieved a substantial pace. The average annual production rate of 1,000 units per month has been surpassed, with monthly volumes increasing steadily throughout the year. By the end of October 2024, the serial number "Ы 7069" was noted.
If the serial number "Ы 11934" is sequential, it indicates that by the end of the year, russia’s monthly production rate of Shaheds has reached approximately 2,000 units, doubling earlier levels of up to 1,000 units per month. The methods by which russia has managed to double production remain a critical question.
Notably, russia’s Alabuga facility achieved the production of 6,000 Shaheds a full year ahead of schedule, originally set for September 2025. This underscores the strategic importance of strikes, like those conducted by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), targeting warehouses containing key components.
Read more: Rare Video Shows a Ukrainian Mi-8 Hunt Down a Shahed-136
