Drone Systems Reach a Technological Breakthrough

Russia is launching its first major international drone technology forum, showcasing innovations that push the boundaries of automation across agriculture, forestry, logistics, and public safety.

From Expo Halls to Drone Races

The international forum 'Unmanned Systems: Technologies of the Future' will debut this August at the Skolkovo Innovation Center in Moscow. It is part of the broader Future Territory: Moscow 2030 festival and will run from August 7 to 17.

The event brings together over 1,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and anticipates more than 50,000 attendees.

A Hub for Innovation and Policy

The forum will host a business program featuring developers, policymakers, and researchers discussing UAV integration into transportation, cybersecurity challenges, and the role of AI in drone control. An educational sprint called 'Archipelago' will explore drone swarming, autonomous navigation, and AI-versus-human challenges. The Moscow Mayor’s Cup drone race promises to be a crowd favorite.

'This forum is a space to see real-world applications — from harvest-ready drone combines to forest patrols and smart retail. We're inviting developers and manufacturers to showcase their practical value and scalability.

Maxim Avdeev

Head of the Federal Center for Unmanned Aviation Systems

Practical Use Meets Export Potential

Drones showcased at the forum span sectors like agriculture, energy, construction, and commerce. Applications range from harvesting and firefighting to ice removal and infrastructure scanning. Russia aims to demonstrate these systems to potential international buyers, particularly in BRICS and friendly markets.

Training the Next Generation

The Archipelago initiative includes foresight sessions and contests that simulate future scenarios and explore export strategies. 'We want participants to experience technologies emotionally, not just intellectually,' said Dmitry Kaisin, rector of University 2035. The program focuses on team-driven solution development, reinforcing Russia’s talent pipeline in robotics and AI.

A Strategic Push Toward Sovereignty

With rising emphasis on domestic UAV ecosystems, Russia is positioning itself as a global competitor. The upcoming MUBS 2025 forum will unite industry stakeholders to promote standardization, localization, and export.

The Eurasian Drone Aviation Forum held earlier this year brought together 300 delegates across the EAEU, Asia, and the Middle East.