Krasnodar Region to build infrastructure for unmanned aerial systems within two years

The prospects for the production of unmanned aerial systems and the radio-electronic industry were discussed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Alexander Ruppel. The participants included heads of relevant departments, leading industrial enterprises, and universities in the region.

«The Krasnodar Region is home to approximately 10 enterprises specialising in the production of radio-electronic products, as well as over 10 enterprises that develop and manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles and their components for various sectors of the economy. The number of such companies has increased by 1.7 times compared to last year. In the near future, two more production facilities for radio-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles and their components will be launched. A specialised organisation, the Tekhnosfera Research and Production Centre, has been established to develop such technologies as part of the national project ‘Unmanned Aerial Systems’,» said Alexander Ruppel.

As reported by Dmitry Khmelko, Acting Minister of Industrial Policy of the region, the centre will specialise in the design and manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles for agriculture, precision farming, and tourism. Due to its location and diverse natural environment, the Krasnodar Region has the potential to serve as a testing ground for unmanned systems for the entire Russia.

«Tekhnosfera’s infrastructure will include a consulting and analytical centre that will inform developers, manufacturers, and users of unmanned aerial systems on issues related to current legislation, federal and regional support measures, and interaction with industry regulators. There are also plans to establish a training centre with flight zones, a lecture hall, a training classroom, and a laboratory. It will be equipped with modern flight simulators, design and programming facilities, and other relevant equipment. In addition, the infrastructure will include a flight monitoring centre, a flight test complex, and a regional aerial photography data processing centre,» said Dmitry Khmelko.

According to Alexander Ruppel, the radio-electronic industry currently accounts for a small share of the total output of industrial enterprises in the region. However, the participants of the meeting stated that it is precisely such developments that can ensure Russia's technological leadership.

The Deputy Governor also announced the establishment of a comprehensive system to support new technologies in the region. Kuban is prepared to continue stimulating the development of industrial enterprises and to launch specialised measures to support the robotisation of enterprises and the production of unmanned aerial systems.