The Federation Council is examining ways to speed up the process by which drone operators obtain permission to use airspace, a move presented by Konstantin Dolgov, Deputy Chairman of the Economic Policy Committee of the Federation Council, through official channels reported by RIA News. The discussion emphasises practical steps to streamline regulatory review without compromising safety or airspace integrity, reflecting a government-wide push to modernize aerial operations and reduce unnecessary delays for lawful drone activity.
Dolgov indicated that relevant research and pilots of new procedures have already been conducted and are ongoing, with the aim of delivering clearer timelines, standardized requirements, and predictable outcomes for drone users seeking clearance. This work is framed as part of a broader policy agenda designed to align Russia’s unmanned aviation practices with evolving international norms while supporting domestic innovation and industry resilience.
He described shortening the permission window for drone operations as a priority for the Federation Council, noting that active collaboration with the Federal Air Transport Agency and the Ministry of Transport is in place. The joint effort targets not only faster decision-making but also harmonized criteria that can be applied nationwide, reducing administrative friction and enabling operators to plan with greater confidence while ensuring compliance with safety and security standards.
Dolgov also highlighted the need to advance technological sovereignty in unmanned aerial vehicle production, which includes refining the OKPD-2 code (the all-Russian product classifier by type of economic activity) to incorporate weight and other UAV characteristics. This refinement would account for a broader range of drone features, supporting Russia’s manufacturing sector and helping domestic producers compete more effectively while maintaining safeguards and quality controls essential for airspace management.
Earlier in August, it was reported by TASS that Russia plans sustained growth in unmanned aircraft capabilities over the coming years, supported by the creation of regional situation centers responsible for monitoring and recording drone flights. This framework aims to provide real-time situational awareness, support enforcement when needed, and enable data-driven policymaking in response to rapid technological advances in the sector.
In tandem with these developments, Russia has already launched a new drone suppression system to address potential risks and demonstrations of interference or misuse, underscoring a comprehensive approach to both enablement and enforcement in unmanned flight operations. The convergence of regulatory modernization, production localization, and active risk mitigation reflects a strategic effort to balance innovation with safety, ensuring that drone activity expands in a controlled, accountable, and transparent manner for operators, authorities, and the public alike. The overarching objective is to foster a stable regulatory environment that supports growth, accelerates practical approvals, and reinforces national capabilities in autonomous aviation, while maintaining rigorous oversight and robust security protocols for airspace users and residents across the country.