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Key official weighs in on building up Russia’s drone industry

Andrey Belousov also emphasized the need to promote the mass production of local unmanned systems and components

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Russia’s new national project for the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) should serve as the foundation for developing the industry and consolidating its main participants, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov said on Monday.

"In today's reality, one of the most essential areas for enhancing the country's technical sovereignty is the development of domestic unmanned aerial systems. According to Andrey Belousov, the national project for the development of unmanned aerial systems, which is being created on behalf of the Russian president, should serve as the foundation for the industry's development and consolidation of major participants," Belousov’s office told reporters.

"As part of this endeavor, we must ‘open the sky’ to UAVs by modifying regulations and developing technical tools for monitoring and managing drone movement. Furthermore, we must help domestic manufacturers (both drone manufacturers and component manufacturers) and the market as a whole," Belousov was quoted.

According to Belousov, it is necessary to boost demand for services using unmanned aerial systems in various sectors of the economy, create a comprehensive state order for drones, organize specialized education and provide for the staffing needs of the industry, as well as create a convenient certification system for drones and ensure their safe use. "The first major challenge is to increase demand. This includes creating new market segments as well as eliminating redundant restrictions in the use of drones," he said.

Belousov also emphasized the need to promote the mass production of local unmanned systems and components.

Russia’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Vasily Osmakov outlined several other important areas, including joint work with the Russian Ministry of Transport to build up infrastructure, improve the efficiency of certification systems, and standardize unmanned aerial systems, and with the Ministry of Economic Development in developing experimental legal regimes, and providing the industry with highly qualified personnel.

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