Antonina Levashenko, Head of International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, shared her opinion for Nezavisimaya Gazeta on the reasons behind the updated strategy for development of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the Russian Federation until 2030, submitted for review by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has submitted for public discussion an updated version of the Strategy for the development of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the Russian Federation until 2030 and for the future until 2035. The document, intended to replace the version approved in 2023, significantly reduces target indicators from production and procurement volumes to personnel and infrastructure requirements.
According to Antonina Levashenko, the revised indicators reflect the real situation in the market. "Market demand is declining: companies are reporting reduced revenue, and surveys show a decline in income from both equipment supplies and services. At the same time, dependence on critical components (electronics, engines) remains, while regulatory procedures, such as lengthy certification and airspace clearance, are slowing production scaling. In this context, the revision of strategic benchmarks appears to be an adjustment rather than goals’ refusal," the expert noted.
She believes that the main focus of the new version is on developing the component base, training personnel, and creating infrastructure. "The adjustment reflects an attempt to align plans with fiscal space, actual pace of localization, and demand, while maintaining the priorities of import independence and safety."
Antonina Levashenko also reminded that Russia still lacks a specific law on UAS. "Regulation is implemented based on the Air Code, edicts and other bylaws. Meanwhile, the industry has already transitioned to mass operation: according to Rosaviatsia, flight activity increased by 30% in the first 11 months of 2024, and the number of official operators increased from 12 to 74. In this regard, a unified law is needed that would establish common terms, outline roles and responsibilities among market actors, and determine basic requirements for production, operation, and flight safety," the Gaidar Institute expert concluded.