Vasily Shpak, who serves as the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, indicated that in 2023 Russia produced more than six thousand civil unmanned aerial vehicles. This figure was reported by TASS, the state news agency. Shpak added that based on the data reviewed, the volume of the civil unmanned aircraft system (BAS) production in the country would amount to at least 6.1 thousand units when considering all classes and types, with the caveat that the total could be higher as more information becomes available and benchmarks are refined.
He noted that there was no reliable data on civilian drone production from the previous year because the industry at that time had not developed sufficiently to support comprehensive statistical tracking. In other words, the available records did not yet capture a complete picture of how many drones were being manufactured and brought to market across different sectors and use cases.
Meanwhile, a former State Duma deputy, Andrey Gurulev, suggested that a forthcoming law might impose criminal liability on all drones that monitor flights. The proposed measure would extend responsibility to operators and owners who deploy or control such devices in ways that could threaten airspace safety or public order. This potential legal development reflects ongoing concerns about drone activity, security, and the need for clearer regulatory oversight as unmanned systems become more common and capable.
Public safety officials have repeatedly called on citizens to stay vigilant. In the event a drone is spotted overhead, the recommended course of action is to contact emergency services immediately by dialing 112 and to provide precise details about the drone’s location, altitude, direction of travel, and any observable markings or identifiers. This guidance aims to support rapid assessment and response by authorities while reducing the risk of miscommunication or delayed reporting.
As drone technology continues to mature, industry analysts, policymakers, and manufacturers are closely watching how regulatory frameworks evolve. The push to balance innovation with safety concerns drives ongoing discussions about registration requirements, accountability for operators, and the mechanisms used to monitor activity in both civil and potential military-adjacent contexts. In this environment, producers emphasize improvements in reliability, battery life, and sense-and-avoid capabilities, while regulators stress the importance of interoperable standards and transparent data on production and usage patterns. The interplay between these factors shapes the trajectory of the civilian drone market, influencing investment, competition, and consumer adoption across the region.
From a business perspective, the reported production volumes suggest that Russia is expanding its domestic drone industry footprint. Companies involved in design, manufacturing, and after-sales support are likely to experience growth as demand grows in sectors such as agriculture, surveying, infrastructure inspection, media, and emergency response. Policymakers, for their part, may pursue incentives to accelerate domestic production further while implementing safeguards that ensure safe operation and accountability. The evolving landscape underscores the need for clear guidelines that help operators understand their responsibilities and for independent testing to verify performance claims and safety features. Overall, the ongoing dialogue between industry, government, and the public signals a period of active development and adjustment as unmanned aerial technology becomes a more common feature of daily life and critical operations alike.