Russia Scales Up Production of Civilian Drones
Within five years, domestically made aircraft are expected to account for at least 70 percent of the national market.
Russia is rapidly expanding the production of unmanned aerial vehicles for civilian use, spanning sectors from industry to environmental monitoring. According to the Government of the Russian Federation, domestically produced drones are expected to account for no less than 70 percent of all UAVs used across the economy by 2030.
Annual output is projected to grow by about 46,000 units, with roughly 80 percent of components sourced domestically. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stressed that drone technologies are not a passing trend but a strategic path toward strengthening the country’s global competitiveness. Federal-level programs are supporting Russian businesses as they expand production of autonomous systems.
One-Third of All Drones Come From St. Petersburg
Among regional leaders, Saint Petersburg stands out. The city accounts for roughly one-third of all autonomous machines produced nationwide. Over the past two years, local manufacturers have doubled output of civilian drones, and production continues to rise.
As Alexander Sitov, chairman of the city’s Committee for Industrial Policy, Innovation, and Trade, told TASS, Saint Petersburg produces virtually all types of autonomous platforms — from unmanned vessels to systems that can “carry cargo, fly, and conduct inspections.” These technologies are used across a wide range of applications, from underwater monitoring to space programs, and are deployed across much of the country.
According to Sitov, companies in Saint Petersburg could significantly scale up production in the near future.
