During a recent visit to the Federal Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems within the Rudnevo Industrial Park, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, participated in talks about increasing the production of unmanned aerial vehicles to support ongoing military objectives. The briefing outlined a plan to raise capacity and speed up development to bolster current defense goals, with coverage noting the center’s role in advancing capabilities for national security.
The center was described as offering conducive conditions for testing unmanned aircraft systems. It was highlighted that the facility conducts rigorous trials and also serves as a training hub for the next generation of drone operators, creating a pipeline from experimental work to operational readiness. This view aligns with broader strategies that prioritize hands-on testing environments as essential for dependable field deployment.
Medvedev observed that the demand for drones has risen alongside the intensification of the Ukraine conflict, calling the trend both revealing and significant. He emphasized that affordable, readily available UAVs have become a common element on modern battlefields, illustrating a shift in how airpower is embedded into military operations. He noted that UAV development must move toward scalable, domestic production so the armed forces can rely on capable platforms in ongoing operations.
According to Medvedev, the shift is away from limited output toward sustained, large-scale production within Russia. He pointed to current work at the Rudnevo site as a practical example of this goal, situated in an industrial zone to streamline execution and reduce logistic hurdles. The emphasis remains on building a robust domestic supply chain capable of rapid expansion if testing confirms performance gains and operational viability.
Earlier in September, national leadership signaled the creation of a dedicated air corridor in the Moscow region to facilitate unmanned system testing. Reports indicated the corridor would span a route between the Rudnevo industrial park and Volosovo airport, providing a controlled pathway for live assessments and iterative development. The corridor is presented as a central element of a broader plan to integrate UAVs into testing, training, and eventual deployment, with oversight designed to ensure safety and efficiency.
In parallel developments, officials have discussed a substantial increase in the supply of unmanned aerial vehicles to Russian forces. The messages emphasize a multifaceted push to expand drone availability, strengthen logistical support, and accelerate the integration of unmanned platforms into current military operations. Observers note that these steps reflect a broader approach to raising readiness through enhanced production, testing, and operational use that aligns with stated defense priorities.