Russia to Build Two Autonomous Vehicle Prototypes by 2028

At least two Level 5 autonomous vehicle prototypes are set to be developed and tested in Russia by 2028. The target is outlined in an updated government-approved strategic plan for the digital transformation of the transport sector.

Mileage to Double

In 2026, Russian specialists plan to launch a Level 4 autonomous vehicle, which still implies limited human involvement. The pilot deployment is scheduled to take place on the M-12 Vostok highway.

Overall, under the strategy, the mileage accumulated by highly automated vehicles and the volume of commercial freight operations using them are expected to double by 2030. That would mean 16.5 million kilometers in 2026, rising to 35.3 million kilometers by 2028.

Heroes of the Fog and Dontech

Earlier, IT-Russia reported that Moscow is preparing to launch tests of its fourth autonomous tram. The technology will be trialed on a three-section Vityaz-Moscow tram.

The vehicle is currently being fitted with lidars, cameras, and radars, while workstations for onboard staff are being equipped and specialized systems tested. According to Moscow Deputy Mayor for Transport and Industry Maksim Liksutov, by the end of 2026, 15 trams at the Krasnopresnenskoye depot will be operating in autonomous mode. By the end of 2030, autonomous technologies are expected to be installed on around two-thirds of the capital’s tram fleet.

Meanwhile, an autonomous tractor called Dontech has been successfully tested at the test site of Don State Technical University. The tractor was developed by Rostselmash together with Moscow Polytechnic University. It is controlled via a tablet and can perform agricultural, construction, and municipal tasks.

At the end of last year, a prototype autonomous boat called Heroes of the Fog was tested in the Barents Sea. The vessel traveled 50 kilometers in open sea conditions in autonomous mode. It was developed to address logistics challenges in hard-to-reach areas of the Far North.