Russia Unveils Heavy-Duty Agro-Drone to Replace Tractors in Weed Control and Fertilization

A new agricultural drone introduced in Kaluga can revolutionize Russian farming by replacing tractors in hard-to-reach areas. The drone, capable of spraying and fertilizing crops from the air, impressed farmers with its scale and autonomy.
A new drone designed for crop spraying and fertilization was unveiled in Russia during the 'Field Day' agricultural festival in Kaluga. Unlike traditional tractors, which are slow and compact the soil, this airborne machine offers a faster and less invasive solution to field management.
The drone stands out for its size—measuring approximately 2.5 meters diagonally—and can carry up to 70 kilograms of payload. It can be remotely controlled within a radius of four kilometers, but if it moves beyond that range, it continues operating autonomously. In addition to spraying, it can also monitor the condition of fields, making it a versatile tool for modern precision agriculture.
Regions like Kaluga and others across Russia plan to roll out similar technologies to improve agricultural productivity and bolster national food security. Special training programs for drone operators are also in the works, highlighting the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicles in the country’s agricultural strategy.