Russian Students and Schoolchildren Build the Drones of the Future in National Competition

Young engineers are designing unmanned aerial vehicles from scratch, with support from Russia’s Ministry of Education and Science, the Federal Air Transport Agency, and leading aviation companies.

The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) is hosting the nationwide aviation creativity competition “SKAT.” Students and schoolchildren are developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the ground up — from design and engineering to flight testing. This year’s event features an expanded track for high school students, who study aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and engineering fundamentals before creating their own models.

“‘SKAT’ is a talent-spotting tool,” said Deputy Minister of Education and Science Olga Petrova. “The readiness of young people to create and conquer the skies is truly inspiring.”

MIPT, traditionally a hub for innovation, has provided not just a competition venue but also a space for professional dialogue. The university’s main building now hosts a UAV exhibition ranging from lightweight constructions to hybrid models. The Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) is now actively backing this initiative.

“Among the participants are the future creators of aviation technology — the same people we’ll be meeting at the certification stage,” said Ivan Tyurin, deputy head of the agency’s department.