Andrea Innocenti Russian authorities have begun construction of a new production unit at the Alabuga-Volokno plant, located in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the Republic of Tatarstan. The stated goal is to increase carbon fiber production capacity for the aerospace industry, with a projected annual output of 500 tons by 2029.
Satellite images taken in May and July showed clearing of land adjacent to the site, a clear sign that work had begun.
Alabuga-Volokno Plant Expansion Plan
The project, approved by the Russian government in May, involves the construction of a new line for the production of chemical filaments and high-strength fibers.
According to internal documents from Rosatom and its advanced division UMATEX, the facility will be able to generate up to 500 tons of aerospace-grade carbon fiber annually. This material is essential for the construction of lightweight yet robust frames, a key requirement for the kamikaze drones used in the war against Ukraine.
China's involvement
Investigations also revealed that the plant received a disguised shipment of 46 tons of carbon fiber chemicals from a Chinese state-owned company. Although the Chinese Embassy in Washington claims it was unaware of Russia's plans, the transaction confirms the ongoing defense cooperation between the two countries.
Impact on drone production and military capabilities
Analysts estimate that the 500-ton increase in carbon fiber could translate into approximately 28.000 new armed drones per year, a 78% increase over current production. Russia currently manufactures more than 36.000 kamikaze units, known as "Geran," annually. With the expanded capacity, Russian forces will be able to intensify attack campaigns against both military and civilian targets, as demonstrated by the latest attack on a passenger train near the Polish border.
International reactions and strategic implications
Authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western countries have imposed sanctions on Rosatom and its subsidiary UMATEX . The US House Select Committee on China has verified the authenticity of the documents, confirming their veracity. In response, security experts like David Albright emphasize the speed of construction: the new facility is expected to be operational by 2027, providing Moscow with a solid base to increase drone production and reduce dependence on Chinese imports of chemical precursors.
According to Serhii Kuzan, head of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre, the Alabuga expansion poses a threat not only to the Ukrainian front, but to the entire security of Europe. The project is part of Russia's broader strategy of import substitution and strengthening strategic sectors such as aviation and defense, with the goal of producing 130.000 drones by 2030 and 350.000 by 2035.