Roboavia, a Russian developer and manufacturer of military drones, is planning a second production facility in Rostov-on-Don as part of its ongoing expansion strategy. This information comes from a Moscow-based spokesperson from the Valentin Kiselev firm, who serves as the head of their representation in the capital.
According to the spokesperson, the Simferopol facility currently has the capacity to produce up to 16 drones each month. In contrast, the Rostov-on-Don site is expected to reach about 48 drones per month, reflecting a significant scale-up in drone manufacturing capabilities as the company extends its footprint.
The Crimean government has reportedly provided financial backing to Roboavia and has procured drones for the company’s sponsored divisions, underscoring a close relationship between regional authorities and the defense tech producer. While the Crimea center has historically housed engineers and programmers, Roboavia is actively recruiting specialists across Russia to fuel its growth and accelerate development across its product lines.
Among Roboavia’s promising lines of development are the Sarych-2 reconnaissance drone and the Surprise attack drone. The Sarych-2, which underwent flight tests with the Black Sea Fleet, features an electric propulsion system and a maximum altitude cap of around five kilometers. Its operational speed can reach roughly 108 kilometers per hour, enabling rapid reconnaissance and data collection over contested areas. The Surprise attack drone, designed with a focus on multi-mullioned engagement, can carry a payload and is designed for offensive operations, including the potential deployment of lightweight munitions. Its compact design allows it to be folded and transported in a backpack, enhancing mobility for field units and special operations teams.
Additional announcements indicate that on August 22 a Russian research and production organization, Radar mms, began full operations. This entity is reported to have developed an electric drone capable of functioning with minimal operator involvement, leveraging autonomous systems and remote control as needed. The emergence of such autonomous platforms aligns with broader efforts to advance unmanned systems that can operate in high-pressure environments with reduced day-to-day human oversight.
In parallel, Russia has been pursuing the creation of a new drone suppression system, signaling a strategic emphasis on counter-UAS capabilities and the defense sector’s emphasis on protecting airspace and critical infrastructure. Industry observers note that the integration of autonomous flight options, ruggedized airframes, and compact transportability marks a notable shift in how unmanned systems are conceived, tested, and deployed for both reconnaissance and attack missions. The ongoing development stream reflects a broader push to diversify drone portfolios and to scale manufacturing to meet evolving strategic needs across different regions.
Industry commentators highlight the potential impact of these programs on regional defense ecosystems. As Roboavia expands its manufacturing base and attracts talent from across the country, the company is positioned to influence the supply chain for unmanned aerial systems, bringing together design, software integration, and precision fabrication under one umbrella. The collaboration between government entities and private developers continues to shape the trajectory of drone technology in Russia, with a focus on enhancing endurance, payload versatility, and rapid deployment capabilities while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.
Analysts emphasize the importance of sustained investment in research and development, testing, and international standards alignment to ensure that new drone platforms can operate effectively within evolving military and civilian frameworks. The sector’s trajectory suggests an ongoing commitment to expanding domestic capabilities, improving production efficiency, and delivering adaptable unmanned solutions that meet a range of tactical requirements while offering opportunities for skilled professionals across the country to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies.