Russian Regions Prepare for Mass Drone Deployment
Civilian drones are moving from experiment to infrastructure: by 2026–2027, unmanned aerial systems are expected to become a routine tool across key sectors of the Russian economy.
A conference on unmanned aerial systems was held this week in Penza, Russia, aiming to show regional officials and businesses how drones can be integrated into daily operations. Organizers stressed that drones will soon play a role not only in high-tech pilot projects but also in mainstream industries, from agriculture to logistics.
In Penza Region, a new service center has been launched to provide maintenance and support for civilian drone users. Regulators are also adapting: Russia has introduced a new “user class” of airspace—an “open sky” zone designed specifically for drones—which simplifies approvals and accelerates integration.
Regional partnerships are expanding as well. Cooperation between Penza and Kaluga regions, for example, is creating a faster exchange of expertise and helping shape a unified innovation ecosystem.
The spread of drones is already visible nationwide. More than 1,000 units were delivered last year to forestry agencies alone, where they are used to monitor vast tracts of land and help fight wildfires. Russia’s national postal service, Russian Post, continues to experiment with drone-based cargo and parcel deliveries, pushing unmanned aviation closer to everyday life.
