Izhevsk Unmanned Systems, the maker of Supercam and Tachyon drones, is set to boost its output tenfold in 2024. This development was disclosed by the press service of Kalashnikov Concern.
The entity NPO IzhBS LLC, a part of the Kalashnikov Concern, announced that unmanned aerial vehicle production would rise by ten times this year. The statement points to strategic expansions that will scale up manufacturing capacity significantly.
The surge in production is attributed to the commissioning of a new manufacturing workshop spanning 5,800 square meters and the creation of 360 additional jobs, a move that is expected to bolster the supply chain and shorten lead times for drone orders.
Earlier statements from the Defense Ministry led by Sergei Shoigu highlighted ongoing oversight of progress in the production of attack and reconnaissance drones at Kalashnikov enterprises in Udmurtia. The ministry reported that the concern has increased output for both attack and reconnaissance aircraft, reflecting intensified military-technical measures in the region.
In subsequent updates, Shoigu was introduced to new models of attack and reconnaissance UAVs developed by ZALA Aero, a group of companies associated with the Kalashnikov system. These introductions underscore the emphasis on expanding the range of unmanned systems and advancing capabilities across different platforms.
Previously, Kalashnikov concerns had announced a doubling of output for components used in certain aircraft families, illustrating a broader strategy to enhance production efficiency and secure a steadier supply of critical parts for high-precision unmanned systems.
Industry observers note that the expansion aligns with broader regional efforts to scale up defense manufacturing while also addressing domestic demand. The move is expected to influence local employment, supplier ecosystems, and the overall cadence of defense-related production in the Ural region. Analysts in North America and Europe monitor these developments for insights into how manufacturers adapt to fast-changing requirements, technology shifts, and export considerations that accompany advanced unmanned platforms.
As production grows, questions arise about the integration of new technologies, quality assurance processes, and the timelines associated with delivering enhanced drone capabilities. Stakeholders remain focused on ensuring that increased output translates into reliable performance, robust maintenance networks, and transparent reporting on program milestones. The updates from Kalashnikov and its partners provide a clearer picture of the path forward for unmanned aerial systems in this sector, pointing to a future where scale, innovation, and rigorous standards converge to meet evolving defense and civilian-use needs.