Russian Drones Move Offshore
Digital transformation has become a prerequisite for further growth in Russia’s fuel and energy sector and a lever for strengthening competitiveness. As part of that strategy, Gazprom is actively deploying domestic technologies in offshore field development, prioritizing import substitution and autonomous subsea systems.
The process of replacing imported equipment began as early as 2014. In 2024, VKO Almaz-Antey Concern manufactured and delivered to Gazprom two sets of SPKG (Subsea Production Column Head), a critical component of the import substitution program at the Yuzhno-Kirinskoye gas condensate field under the Sakhalin-3 project.
Gazprom intends to develop the Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field without diver-based maintenance. From the outset, the field’s engineering concept provided for all pipeline servicing to be carried out using subsea equipment. In the coming years, the company expects to install domestically produced subsea Christmas trees. The program also places strong emphasis on deploying marine unmanned systems.
Development of the Kirinsky block carries strategic importance. It will expand hydrocarbon production in Russia’s Far East, strengthen regional energy supply and support gas deliveries to China via the Far Eastern route, which are scheduled to begin no later than 2027.
Operations in Ice Conditions
Gazprom is placing particular focus on marine unmanned systems – autonomous uncrewed underwater vehicles, small marine craft and other robotic platforms. In 2025, a Russian ANPA (autonomous uncrewed underwater vehicle) successfully completed sea trials for monitoring the subsea production complex at the Kirinskoye field on the Sakhalin shelf.
The project represents the culmination of years of joint work between Gazprom and the M.D. Ageev Institute of Marine Technology Problems of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, whose specialists have extensive experience developing underwater vehicles for various missions. The goal was to adapt the institute’s technical solutions for inspection of subsea oil and gas infrastructure.
The new vehicle can execute autonomous missions based on pre-programmed routes, reduces dependence on support vessels and weather conditions, and delivers faster seabed, pipeline and equipment inspections compared with conventional remotely operated vehicles.
Test results confirmed the vehicle’s stated performance specifications and its suitability for complex hydrometeorological and ice conditions in the Sea of Okhotsk. Looking ahead, Gazprom plans to develop specialized ANPA systems for year-round deployment at the Kirinskoye field.
From Trials to Serial Deployment
Another ambitious initiative is the deep-sea mini-submarine Yason, developed by the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute. Construction has been underway at the Sevmash shipyard since 2022. With a displacement of approximately 15 tons and a 270-degree viewing angle, the vehicle is capable of inspecting gas transportation infrastructure, surveying the seabed, conducting geological exploration and installing structures at depths of up to 2,250 meters.
In parallel, the Kurchatov Institute and Gazprom are developing a system featuring a TNPA (work-class remotely operated vehicle) designed to operate in conjunction with Yason. The system is intended for subsea technical operations at depths of up to 2,250 meters, including inspection of underwater facilities, equipment installation, oversight of construction activities, maintenance and repair.
In January 2026, Russkaya Morskaya Komanda (Russian Marine Team) completed successful trials of the Ocean.TNPA-Lite, a light-class remotely operated vehicle designed for search operations, environmental measurements and filming at depths of up to 400 meters. The vehicle can conduct light inspection of underwater structures such as piers, piles, cables and pipelines. The company is also developing the work-class Ocean.TNPA-Max, rated to depths of 2,000 meters with a payload capacity of up to 50 kilograms, as well as the Ocean.BEK, an uncrewed surface vessel intended to autonomously deliver remotely operated vehicles to work sites. These projects are being implemented in partnership with industry leader Gazprom.
A Barrier-Free Future
Development of land, aerial and marine unmanned technologies is being carried out under the NTI (National Technology Initiative), which defines key tracks including Aeronet, Autonet and Marinet, all focused on autonomous transport systems.
Scientific and technical centers and universities play a critical role in advancing the sector, strengthening the fundamental research base required to develop next-generation marine robotics and related IT solutions.
In the coming years, deployment of Russian autonomous systems in new offshore projects is expected to expand significantly. The domestic marine robotics market is growing at 13 percent annually and is projected to double by 2032. Companies are expected to operate several thousand vehicles of various classes and purposes. Russian subsea robotic systems designed for technical underwater operations may also find demand internationally, particularly among countries seeking cooperation without sanctions constraints, creating new export opportunities for Russian marine robotics manufacturers.
