Russian National Project for Unmanned Aerial Systems: A Glimpse into Future Skies
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Descend on Government Initiative
Here's a straight-up, no-nonsense look at Russia's ambitious plan for its National Project for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Buckle up, because this baby's going to take flight!
The Current Situation
First, let's take a gander at the present state of affairs:
- A Growing Industry: Boasting over 140 homegrown small and medium-sized companies—plus a handful of large ones—the Russian UAS sector ain't messin' around. And, a special unit within the Ministry of Industry and Trade is here to make sure it keeps growing.
- Bridging the Gap: Vladimir Pastukhov, ATR's General Director, knows that UAS aren't just about aviation, microelectronics, or IT, but a combination of the three. In October, he presented these insights to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, marking a giant leap forward.
The Five Federal Projects
So, what's in the works for this burgeoning industry? Enter stage left: five federal projects designed to take things to new heights:
- Infrastructure Development: Building the foundation for UAS success.
- Personnel: Training the next generation of UAS geniuses.
- Advanced Technologies: Pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
- Demand Stimulation: Igniting public interest and support.
- Production of UAS and Components: Rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.
Soon, a sixth project focusing on countermeasures against UAS threats is expected to join the fold.
Industry Growth and Challenges
Alexei Serdyuk, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's unmanned systems and robotics department, predicts rapid industry growth, but acknowledges a significant gap between Russia and Asian and North American counterparts. Serdyuk sees this tech challenge as an opportunity for development and hasPINPOINTED localization and product/technological sovereignty as top priorities for the future.
What's more, 80% of drone engine manufacturers hold "dual-purpose" status—meaning they're involved in military production. This close link to military sectors provides valuable support for the development of electronic component bases and instrument-making.
The Academic Angle
The academic world lends its support with crucial help from the Federal Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and MGTU named after Bauman. Alexander Lahinau, Director of the competence center for unmanned aerial systems at MGTU named after N.E. Bauman, recently unveiled a new domestic components catalog containing around 150 items, complete with cost, composition, localization level, and test results. Simultaneously, scientists and engineers have been diligently working on import substitution for critical UAS components such as engines and control systems.
Future Developments and Specialist Training
MIPT, one of Russia's top higher education institutions, is also playing a significant role in UAS development. They hosted the first BAA competition, which saw 30 proposals and 70 approved technical tasks across nine areas, including radio communication, technical vision, and energy sources. Preparing one million specialists in the new BAA sphere by 2030 is a lofty goal, but MIPT's ambitions don't end there. The institution aims to strengthen its participation in federal projects and increase its talent pool to keep the UAS sector soaring.
Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Safety
Despite massive support and growth potential, challenges remain for UAV manufacturers, primarily in certifications, experimental testing, and industrial implementation. Alexei Rogozin, Chairman of "Ecolibri", underlined the problem of certifying heavy drones, which are crucial for moving goods from remote areas. Konstantin Shadrin, Director of "T1 Integration" holding's competence center for aerospace technologies, concurs, painting a picture of a lengthy, complicated process that slows down the industry's progress.
Unmanned Aerial Transport and the Arctic
Meanwhile, demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is high, especially in remote regions like the Arctic and Far East. T1 Integration recently announced its entrance into the UAV market, creating a specialized logistics company that aims to operate an unmanned fleet in the Arctic zone with GTLK (State Transport Logistics Company). They've even prepared a package of documents for air cargo transport in the region.
Seamless Digital Sky
Last but not least, the concept of a 'seamless digital sky' is being developed to ensure safe and efficient use of UAS in general airspace. Key players in the industry, like Alexei Raikevich, CEO of AO "GLONASS", believe this will revolutionize the country's transportation system, making it more efficient and economically beneficial. The 'seamless digital sky' will make use of the state information system "ERA-GLONASS" as the main infrastructure for UAS monitoring nationwide and will, in turn, lift current restrictions on drone operations in regions, paving the way for exponential industry growth.
- #NationalProjects
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- #UAS
- Drones are set to become a integral part of Russia's National Projects, with development efforts focused on infrastructure, personnel, advanced technologies, demand stimulation, and production of UAS and components.
- The addition of a sixth project focusing on countermeasures against UAS threats is expected in the future, addressing security concerns.
- Localization and product/technological sovereignty are top priorities for future development, as noted by Alexei Serdyuk, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s unmanned systems and robotics department.
- In the academic sphere, institutions like MIPT are playing a significant role in UAS development, aiming to train one million specialists in the new field by 2030 and strengthen participation in federal projects.
