Russia to Ramp Up Drone Production Amid Ongoing Conflict

Major Increase in UAV Production by 2030

Russia has set an ambitious target to produce over 32,000 drones annually by 2030, a significant increase from current levels. This plan was revealed by First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, who mentioned that domestic producers are expected to cover 70% of this market.

Widespread Use in Ukraine Conflict

Since the onset of the conflict with Ukraine in February 2022, both Moscow and Kyiv have heavily relied on drones. The prolonged war has necessitated an increase in military production, with drones playing a crucial role.

Russia’s Drone Strategy

Russia’s drone strategy includes the use of Iranian-made Shahed drones in aerial assaults. These UAVs are known for their affordability and have been increasingly used to target Ukrainian infrastructure.

The Russian government plans to finance the national UAV project with 696 billion roubles ($7.66 billion), reports Reuters.

Drones in Various Industries

President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the potential of UAVs across different industries, not just the military.

Russian drones have posed challenges for Ukrainian air defenses due to their smaller size and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional air defense systems.

Ukraine’s Response

In response, Ukraine has adapted by using FPV Drones, initially designed for civilian use, for reconnaissance and attacks.

These drones offer a cost-effective solution for frontline operations. Ukraine plans to produce more than 11,000 medium- and long-range attack drones in 2024, along with one million FPV drones.

The escalation in drone production by Russia underscores the growing importance of UAVs in modern warfare and other sectors. As the conflict continues, both nations are innovating and adapting their strategies to incorporate these increasingly vital tools.