Russia wants to expand the production of drones for civilian as well as military use, Russian Deputy Industry Minister Vasily Shpak told state news agency TASS on Tuesday.
By 2024, Russia’s production of civilian drones should rise to 18,000 annually, Shpak said.
The country currently produced about 6,000 drones per year, he noted.
“If we talk about military needs, then the level of production is much higher,’’ said Shpak, without revealing figures.”
Russia often used Iranian-designed combat drones in airstrikes in its war against Ukraine, which were destroyed on impact.
These drones were now also produced in Russia.
Ukraine is also developing its combat drones further.
For battlefiled reconnaissance, both sides were deploying hundreds of small airborne devices that have been converted for military purposes.
By 2030, the minister hoped Russia would produce the 30,000 drones it needs for civilian use.
This would include all types, from drones similar to aeroplanes or helicopters to multicopters with multiple rotors.
They would be used in agriculture, construction or for transport in inaccessible regions.
dpa/NAN
