In Russia, Drones Are Taking on the Role of Inspectors
More than 9,000 inspections and preventive visits last year were conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles.
The number of inspections carried out with drone technology is increasing in Russia. In 2025, more than 9,000 oversight flights were conducted, Dmitry Grigorenko, chief of staff of the Russian government, said. In 2026, authorities aim to ensure that drone-assisted inspections account for 10 percent of the total.
The technology is most frequently used by officials from Rosreestr, Rosselkhoznadzor, Rosprirodnadzor, Rostransnadzor, and the Ministry of Culture. UAVs allow inspectors to survey large or hard-to-reach areas in a short period of time, detect unauthorized construction, improper land use, pollution, and other violations. Inspectors can capture photos and video footage from the air.
A 242-hectare area can be surveyed in just 15 minutes. The drones are relatively easy to operate and deliver high-quality data with highly accurate geolocation.
Inspections Without Disruption
According to Grigorenko, modern technologies make inspections more efficient and less disruptive for businesses and organizations.
The use of unmanned systems is already предусмотрено in 19 types of oversight. Inspectors receive training as UAV operators, and the drones themselves have been included in the state registry of measuring instruments.
