The first phase of the Future Transport factory in the Open Economic Zone SEZ Tolyatti has opened, focusing on civil unmanned aerial vehicle production. This development was reported by TASS with reference to the company involved.
During the initial phase, the facility will design, assemble, and ship unmanned aerial vehicle systems intended for the agricultural sector. The plan calls for the production of more than 1,500 agricultural drones in 2024, along with a range of other drone types. The project positions the site as a hub for unmanned aviation within the Samara region, aiming to strengthen the supply chain for modern farming technologies. Source attribution: TASS.
The announcement notes that the UAV production cluster in the Samara region outlined a construction timeline: the facility began with groundwork in April 2023, the second phase was planned to commence in July, and the third phase was scheduled for December 2024. The plan emphasizes a staged approach to scaling capability and output across multiple phases. Source attribution: TASS.
Officials indicate that seven drone models along with their core components are slated for production at the site, pointing to a diversified portfolio designed to meet various operational needs in civilian and agricultural applications. Source attribution: TASS.
In related developments, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, participated in a November meeting focused on increasing unmanned aerial vehicle production to support the needs of the special military operation. The discussion highlighted coordination between civic aerospace initiatives and broader national defense requirements. Source attribution: TASS.
Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported a substantial increase in UAV deliveries to the Russian armed forces, signaling strategic emphasis on unmanned aviation across defense and civilian sectors. Source attribution: TASS.
There were prior reports that in St. Petersburg, the mass production of the dual-use unmanned aircraft system Vetor was underway, reflecting ongoing expansion in the country’s UAV capabilities across multiple facilities. Source attribution: TASS.