Russia's drone production to skyrocket ninefold by 2030

Russia is set to ramp up its production of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), with plans to increase output nearly ninefold by 2030, reaching 157,000 units annually, compared to 17,600 in 2024.

This ambitious expansion plan was outlined by Andrey Dobryakov, Deputy Head of Rosaviatsia, during a plenary session at the Aerospace Congress, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media. 

The growth will significantly boost the share of Russian-made drones in the national market, rising from 41.5% in 2024 to 70% by the end of the decade.

“The share of Russian-made UAS should increase significantly – from 40% to 70%, and the total number of Russian-made UAS manufactured should grow to 157,000 products,” Dobryakov stated.

In support of this goal, Russia plans to establish 48 research and production centres across the country. These centres will be dedicated to the development, testing, certification, and production of unmanned aerial systems, ensuring that drones are ready for market deployment. Additionally, the number of regions equipped with infrastructure for drone flights is set to expand from 3 to 89.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on September 19 that by 2030, 48 specialized research and production centres for UAVs will be created throughout the country. “Work on the design, testing, and serial production of drones will be carried out at these special centres,” he said during a meeting of the military-industrial commission.

Putin also highlighted the importance of the national project “Unmanned Aviation Systems,” which runs through 2030. One of its key priorities is to foster the development and production of domestic components and materials for drones. The project, he emphasized, is critical for ensuring "technological sovereignty" in this essential field.

In line with these plans, Russia is also focusing on training the workforce for the UAS industry. Starting in May, in-person professional retraining programs for teachers began, aimed at equipping specialists for the rapidly growing drone sector. By 2030, the demand for skilled professionals in unmanned aviation is expected to reach 1 million people.

Alexey Yuretsky, General Director of Geoscan, a leading Russian drone manufacturer, explained that the term "UAS specialist" encompasses a broad range of professions, including hardware and software developers, production staff, and experts in drone operations and data analysis. Yuretsky stressed the importance of developing a robust training system that caters to all aspects of the emerging drone industry, ensuring that professionals are well-prepared to meet the sector's growing demands.

By Tamilla Hasanova