Unmanned aerial vehicle production is being developed in Shushary, a district of Saint Petersburg, with plans to establish operations within the city’s special economic zone. Local authorities cited by TASS indicate that the project is moving forward under the guidance of city officials who oversee economic policy and strategic planning. Previously, the site hosted a Russian Toyota facility, which is now transitioning to new uses as part of a broader industrial strategy for the region.
Regarding Toyota’s footprint in the area, officials outline a broad slate of initiatives aimed at forming a drone-focused cluster. The city is pursuing the creation of a research and production center, with the intention that all industries serving the region will operate inside the special economic zone. This approach is designed to consolidate resources and accelerate innovation in unmanned systems.
In late March 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced that the Toyota factory in Saint Petersburg came under the control of FSUE NAMI, an enterprise linked to the ministry’s leadership. Earlier that year, Toyota completed a workforce reduction as part of its organizational adjustments. The shift signals a reorientation of the site toward new manufacturing priorities and collaborations within the aerospace and defense sectors.
There have been discussions about producing e-Neva electric vehicles, a development associated with Almaz-Antey, the state arms manufacturer. This potential diversification underscores ongoing interest in leveraging the plant for civilian electric mobility alongside its defense-related capabilities. The involvement of Almaz-Antey highlights a strategy to integrate advanced electronics and propulsion technologies into regional production corridors.
Observers have also noted the possibility of repurposing the former Toyota plant to manufacture BAZ tractors, reflecting a broader plan to maximize the site’s industrial utility. The convergence of unmanned systems, electric mobility, and heavy machinery indicates a coordinated effort to build a resilient, multi-use production ecosystem in Saint Petersburg, anchored by the special economic zone framework and supported by national industrial policy.