Russia Launches Advanced Center for Civilian Maritime Drones

A new production hub in St. Petersburg is churning out high-tech unmanned vessels designed for civil use and emergency response.

The Kingisepp Machine-Building Plant (KMZ), a Russian defense-industrial holding, has opened an innovation center focused on the production of maritime drones for non-military purposes. The announcement was made by KMZ’s managing director Mikhail Danilenko, according to TAdviser.

Built on KMZ’s facilities in St. Petersburg, the center has already started production. It plans to manufacture dozens of drones for monitoring bodies of water, assisting emergency services, and supporting regional administrations and agencies like Rostransnadzor.

The facility is equipped with cutting-edge testing infrastructure, including an indoor pool that allows simulation of various conditions. The center also includes assembly lines for hull construction, energy systems, and other essential drone components.

This type of domestic production signals a strategic shift in Russia’s industrial policy. It brings new jobs and marks a breakthrough in the country’s maritime technology landscape.