The Russian government is outlining the framework for a state order program focused on civil aerial drones. In official notes released under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the initial demand for heavy unmanned aerial systems is anticipated to exceed a thousand units. The plan envisions funding coming from a mix of customers, including state-owned enterprises, private companies, and federal as well as regional authorities. This approach signals a shift toward placing the procurement burden on those who benefit from UAV capabilities rather than relying solely on direct government financing.
Vasily Osmakov, deputy head of the department, highlighted that a central objective will be to drive demand for drones and the related services that accompany them. This emphasis aims to stimulate a robust market for unmanned platforms, payloads, maintenance, and software solutions, ensuring a steady pipeline for developers and service providers alike.
Among the developers expected to participate are Aeroglobe, Aeromax, Mil and Kamov, Radar mms, Geoscan, Finko, Ptero, LMT, and VR-Technologies, along with several others. The government’s selection process will likely weigh factors such as production capacity, reliability, support networks, and potential for export growth, recognizing UAVs as strategic components of modern infrastructure, emergency response, and industrial applications.
In unrelated developments, statements from a senior adviser to Ukraine’s president, Andriy Podolyak, have drawn attention to drone activity and its political implications. Podolyak has asserted that participation in drone strikes against targets in Russia is not being pursued from his position, a stance reported amid broader regional security concerns. Separately, a drone incident near a petrol distribution facility in the Moscow region on February 28 raised questions about improvised explosive payloads and the potential dangers posed by unmanned systems, with authorities noting that the device reportedly carried explosive charges. Such events underscore the ongoing emphasis on safety, regulation, and the heightened scrutiny surrounding drone operations in densely populated areas.
Governing authorities in the Moscow region also commented on the February 28 event, noting that the drone’s apparent objective near the village of Gubastovo in the Kolomna district may have targeted civilian infrastructure. Observers have stressed the importance of clear incident reporting, rapid assessment, and coordinated responses to mitigate risks to civilians while preserving essential services and critical facilities. This incident is being reviewed in light of existing regulatory frameworks governing unmanned aerial activity, airspace management, and security protocols.
Overall, the evolving policy direction aims to create a balanced ecosystem where state orders, industry investment, and private sector innovation converge to advance civil UAV capabilities. Experts anticipate that the program will promote domestic manufacturing, encourage standardization, and accelerate the integration of drones into sectors such as agriculture, logistics, energy, public safety, and disaster response. The collaboration among developers and public buyers could also drive research into safer flight operations, robust cyber protection, and resilient supply chains, ensuring that the country remains competitive in the global drone economy. Stakeholders are watching how funding structures, procurement rules, and compliance requirements will shape market dynamics in the months ahead, as Canada and the United States observe parallel developments in their own UAV strategies and international collaborations.