Image Credits : Globalo
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced an ambitious plan to dramatically increase the country’s production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ramping it up to 1.4 million units in 2024. This represents a nearly tenfold increase from last year when around 140,000 drones were delivered to the Russian armed forces.
Speaking at a meeting in St. Petersburg, Putin underscored the strategic importance of drone technology on the battlefield. “Whoever reacts faster to these demands on the battlefield wins,” he noted, emphasizing the critical role UAVs play in modern warfare. The Russian military has been relying heavily on drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and direct combat, especially in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, drones have become indispensable tools for both sides of the conflict. They are used for a wide range of military operations, from targeting enemy infrastructure and artillery to carrying out precision strikes on energy facilities and supply lines.
Both Russia and Ukraine have been stepping up their drone production, in addition to sourcing UAVs from international partners. The increase in Russia’s drone production capacity is part of a broader strategy to ensure victory in the protracted war with Ukraine.
Putin’s remarks indicate a significant investment in the country’s military-industrial complex, with drones positioned as a key component of future combat tactics. This comes as Russia continues to face international sanctions and pressure over its invasion of Ukraine, including restrictions on the import of advanced technology, which could challenge its long-term production goals. The Kremlin’s decision to prioritise UAV production underscores the growing recognition that drone warfare could be decisive in determining the outcome of conflicts in the future.