Primorye Aims to Build a Robust UAV Sector with 2024 Initiatives
In a strategic move to advance unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities, the Primorye region announced the launch of a comprehensive UAV development program beginning in 2024. The initiative was disclosed by regional authorities following reporting from RIA News and signals a broader push to strengthen domestic UAV production and related services.
Earlier last year, authorities outlined a draft program designed to boost the manufacture of unmanned aerial systems, targeting the production of at least 3.8 thousand drones annually by 2030. The central objective is to foster a climate where demand for homegrown UAVs and the accompanying service ecosystem grows, fueling local industry and creating opportunities across defense, security, agriculture, surveying, and emergency response sectors.
Among the newer developments in Russia is the introduction of a surface drone with an operating range of up to 20 kilometers. The project is said to incorporate leading ideas from Russian ship modeling. The hulls of these boats are planned to be constructed from composite materials rather than carbon, as indicated by radar behavior. Official testing of these surface craft is anticipated in early 2024, representing a notable expansion of unmanned surface vehicle capabilities alongside aerial platforms.
Additionally, Russia has reported advances in drone technology that address fielded operations. A product has emerged that urges pilots of Kamikaze drones on Ukrainian forces to consider surrender, reflecting the ongoing use of captured or targeted munitions concepts in modern conflict contexts. This development underscores the intense political and military dynamics surrounding UAV deployment in the region.
In related strides, Russia has also worked on a drone suppression system designed to disrupt or deter the use of hostile unmanned systems. This aligns with a broader trend toward layered counter-UAV strategies, combining detection, tracking, and neutralization capabilities to protect critical infrastructure and urban areas from aerial threats.