The commander in chief of Russia’s armed forces, Sergei Shoigu, reviewed the ongoing production of attack and reconnaissance unmanned aerial systems at facilities operated by the Kalashnikov concern in Udmurtia, according to a ministry release.
The ministry stated that new workshops have expanded since 2022, enabling a substantial rise in drone output. The launch of these facilities is projected to lift overall unmanned aircraft manufacturing by about sixty percent, with further growth anticipated in the years ahead.
Shoigu was shown the latest materials employed in drone construction during the visit.
Earlier reports noted Shoigu’s briefing on new attack and reconnaissance drone models developed by the ZALA Aero Group. On Saturday, February 10, the defense chief toured ZALA Aero’s leading plant in Udmurtia. The ministry’s account indicated that this site also manufactures Lancet family stray munitions and reconnaissance drones.
In late January, President Vladimir Putin addressed the use of unmanned systems in the course of the ongoing special operation in Ukraine. He highlighted the drones’ effectiveness in handling a variety of battlefield tasks and remarked that Russian forces accomplish their goals with a blend of efficiency and economy through their use.
Earlier reporting from Ukraine discussed the development of analogs to Russia’s Lancet stray munitions, underscoring the rapid evolution of drone capabilities in the region.