Russian President Vladimir Putin has unveiled plans to significantly boost the country’s production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aiming for 1.4 million units in 2024, a tenfold increase from the 140,000 drones delivered to Russian forces last year.
Speaking at a meeting in St. Petersburg, Putin highlighted the critical role of drones in modern warfare, particularly on the battlefield in Ukraine. He emphasized that “whoever reacts faster to these demands on the battlefield wins,” underscoring the strategic importance of UAVs for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat missions.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, drones have become vital for both Russian and Ukrainian forces, used for a wide range of military purposes. These include targeting enemy infrastructure, conducting precision strikes on supply lines, and gathering intelligence on enemy positions. As the war drags on, both nations have ramped up domestic drone production while also seeking UAVs from international allies.
The Kremlin’s plan to scale up drone production is part of a broader effort to strengthen Russia’s military capabilities and ensure success in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. However, international sanctions and export restrictions on advanced technologies pose significant challenges to Russia’s long-term production goals. Despite these hurdles, Putin’s government is heavily investing in the country’s military-industrial complex, positioning UAVs as a cornerstone of future combat strategies.
“The key task is to produce a wide range of aerial unmanned vehicles, to establish serial production as quickly as possible,” Putin said.
The substantial increase in drone production reflects the growing recognition of UAVs as a decisive factor in modern warfare. As Russia continues to face international pressure over its actions in Ukraine, its focus on advancing drone warfare technology highlights the importance the Kremlin places on these tools in shaping the outcome of ongoing and future conflicts.
