Russia hires 'youth, foreign women to boost drone production because of labour shortage' | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Drone warfare
• Child labor in weapons production
• Russian-Iranian military cooperation
• Sanctions and economic isolation
• Propaganda and national narrative
• Labor shortages in Russia
• Yalabuga Special Economic Zone
• Geran-2 (Russian Shahed drone copy)

1. Drone Production in Russia and Child Labor

• Russia has increased its reliance on drones, particularly in attacks on Ukrainian cities.
• Mass production of Iranian-designed drones (Shahed model) began a year ago in Tatarstan, central Russia.
• The Russian version of the Shahed drone is called Geran-2.
• Independent Russian reporters claim children are involved in the production and development of these drones.
• A Russian Defense Ministry-controlled TV channel reported that up to a thousand drones are produced per shift at a factory in Yalabuga.
• The plant in Yalabuga is constantly increasing production, with an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 drones currently in production.
• Students from a trade school are allegedly working on the production line, and those who refuse to participate face expulsion, according to the investigative project "Protocol."
• A science camp competition in Soi showcased children developing drone technology, with the Russian army logo visible.
• Children are invited to "so-called laboratories" and receive money for developing new drone components, requiring only parental consent forms.
• One 15-year-old boy was tasked with reducing the cost of a kamikaze drone from 800,000 rubles to 150,000 rubles.
• Students are reportedly involved in both developing drones and training army personnel on their use.

2. David Albbright's Perspective on Russia's Weapons Program

• David Albbright, President of the Institute for Science and International Security, discusses the reports of Russian teenagers involved in drone production.
• He states that the Yalabuga facility, which produces copies of the Shahed drone, faces a significant worker shortage.
• The Yalabuga plant was originally a civilian manufacturing site with no initial workforce for drone production.
• A "work-study technology training program" involving 16 to 18-year-olds was implemented to address the worker shortage.
• These young workers are subjected to long hours and receive limited benefits.
• The plant also recruits foreign women (18-22 years old) from African nations under false pretenses to perform menial tasks, some involving toxic materials.
• Albbright argues that Russia is exploiting vulnerable populations to solve its personnel shortage.
• He notes that Russia faces a shortage of soldiers, making young people a valuable resource.
• Yalabuga is expanding its apartment buildings to house more students and foreign workers, with youth brigades (16-18 years old) involved in the construction.
• Albbright believes Russia is exploiting its youth to maximize drone production, with the potential for these young men to be drafted into the military at 18.
• The drone production project was highly secretive, with drones referred to as "motorboats."
• Recruited women from African nations and children are often not directly informed about the military purpose of their work.
• Russia uses techniques like paintball games and patriotic celebrations to foster national loyalty and incentivize participation.

3. Yuri Rashettto's Analysis of Drone Warfare and Russian Strategy

• Yuri Rashettto, a DW correspondent, explains that suicide drones have become a weapon of choice for the Russian army due to their lower cost compared to missiles.
• Both Russia and Ukraine are engaged in a "drone war."
• Ukraine primarily uses drones to target Russian oil and gas infrastructure.
• Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a drone camp near the Yalabuga factory.
• Drone operation is now a mandatory subject in Ukrainian schools.
• The Yalabuga industrial zone, a special economic zone, now covers an area the size of a village and produces drones based on the Iranian Shahed model.
• The area is restricted and requires special permission to enter.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense's public display of the factory is seen as an intimidation tactic.
• Russia utilizes programs to promote gifted children in STEM fields, attracting them through competitions and seemingly harmless computer games before involving them in military projects.
• Rashettto highlights three key points: Russian children traditionally become adults earlier, parents may view drone development as a patriotic act, and the alleged child labor indicates a labor shortage in the IT sector.
• The propaganda machine has successfully framed the involvement of children as an act of patriotism.
• The Shahed/Geran-2 model is a product of Russian-Iranian cooperation, formalized in a comprehensive agreement (excluding military aspects).
• Russia can learn from Iran's experience living under sanctions, particularly in the aviation industry.
• Russia, in turn, offers expertise in the nuclear industry.

4. Russian-Iranian Cooperation and Sanctions

• The Russian-Iranian friendship was formalized last year in a comprehensive agreement covering all areas except the military.
• The US and Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, and Russia did not assist Iran.
• Russia can learn from Iran how to live with sanctions, especially in the aviation industry.
• Russia is experienced in the nuclear industry, offering something in return.

5. Conclusion

The report reveals a concerning trend of Russia's increasing reliance on drone warfare, coupled with the exploitation of child labor and foreign workers in drone production. The Yalabuga factory serves as a key site for this activity, utilizing a combination of incentives, propaganda, and potentially coercive tactics to maintain production. The situation highlights Russia's labor shortages, its strategic partnership with Iran, and its efforts to adapt to economic sanctions. The involvement of children in weapons production raises ethical concerns and violates international conventions.