Drone sales in Russia surge in early 2023, with quadrocopters gaining popularity
In the first three months of 2023, online drone sales in Russia saw a dramatic jump, with figures rising 15 to 20 times compared to the same period a year earlier. This trend was reported by Kommersant, citing market statistics.
During the first quarter, Wildberries sold 26.7 thousand drones, while Ozon moved 17.6 thousand. In monetary terms, revenue expanded roughly tenfold, reaching about 88 million rubles for Wildberries and 57 million rubles for Ozon. The average price for a quadrocopter hovered around 4 thousand rubles. The purchases were largely driven by enthusiasts seeking amateur photography opportunities and by families buying children’s models.
Experts cited by Kommersant noted that bans on drone launches in certain Russian regions did not dampen demand. People continued to operate drones, and interest in quadrocopters grew as the topic received sustained attention in public discourse, including coverage surrounding the special military operation in Ukraine.
Industry voices emphasized that frequent media discussion can influence consumer behavior and bring more attention to drone technology. Dmitry Ermolaev, CEO of Moneyplace, commented that the topics widely seen on television tend to capture public interest and shape purchasing decisions.
Earlier discussions by the site SocialBites noted efforts to develop a tracking system for quadrocopters in Russia, highlighting ongoing attention to safety and regulation in the evolving drone landscape.