Russia Accelerates Robotics and Aircraft Motor Programs Amid Public Funding Push
On October 24, 2024, Denis Manturov, Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade, updated Vladimir Putin on the rapid integration of robotics into modern manufacturing. The government is pushing automation as a core driver of productivity, with a clear plan to scale robot adoption across industries. The Kremlin’s official reporting emphasizes that this momentum comes with a dedicated budget and strategic milestones, signaling a long-term commitment to transforming how Russian factories operate and compete in global markets. This aligns with a broader national agenda to modernize heavy industry and logistics through intelligent automation, industrial sensors, and advanced control software.
Manturov highlighted that the funding for robotics is unprecedented in scale, projected to reach 300 billion rubles by 2030. The size of this investment mirrors the importance assigned to revamping the pharmaceutical sector, underscoring a cross-cutting strategy to strengthen national capabilities, reduce import dependence, and foster domestic innovation ecosystems. In official remarks, the scale of the robotics program is described as a cornerstone initiative capable of reshaping supply chains, creating skilled jobs, and driving export potential for high-tech equipment and automation services. The discussion reflects a broader intent to position Russia as a competitive player in the global robotics landscape, with a focus on industrial robots, collaborative units, and smart manufacturing platforms that integrate with existing production lines.
Earlier, Putin engaged with developers and engineers involved in aviation propulsion, including Alexander Inozemtsev, the general designer of UEC-Aviadvigatel, to review progress on the PD-14 engine used for the MS-21 airliner. Inozemtsev provided a briefing on mass production advances for the PD-14, noting that UEC-Perm Motors has already completed eight engines. The plan for the coming year includes producing 12 engines, then 24, with potential increases as demand and certification efforts allow. This update reflects a steady push to secure domestic engine supply, boost manufacturing throughput, and sustain confidence in Russia’s aerospace supply chain amid evolving global aviation markets.
Additionally, Russia has pursued the development of autonomous systems designed to prevent environmental disasters and improve risk management across critical infrastructure. These efforts encompass sensor networks, real-time monitoring, and automated response protocols aimed at mitigating ecological damage, safeguarding communities, and ensuring resilience in the face of natural or industrial incidents. Taken together, these initiatives illustrate a coordinated strategy that links robotics, propulsion, and environmental protection into a broader national framework for technological sovereignty and industrial self-sufficiency.