Russia Launches Institute for Drone Aviation in Togliatti

A new bachelor’s program in unmanned aircraft systems will train students through hands-on, industry-backed education — with national strategic backing.

Togliatti State University (TSU) has announced the creation of the Institute of Unmanned Aviation and Mobile Systems (IUAMS), which will begin training students in drone design and operations this September, according to Telecom Daily.

The institute will integrate education, research, and engineering efforts aimed at advancing drone technology. Its academic model follows a dual-track approach, combining classroom instruction with real-world projects developed in collaboration with industry partners.

The initiative supports a directive by the Russian president to establish a national Center for Unmanned Aviation Development in the Samara region. The goal: to secure Russia’s technological leadership in the drone sector by 2030 through innovation and workforce development.

Beyond academic training, the institute will focus on cutting-edge applications of unmanned aerial systems, including the development of novel use cases for drones.

The launch of IUAMS marks a key milestone in Russia’s official strategy for scaling up its unmanned aviation ecosystem, approved by the government in 2025.