MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. The race to develop drones is on around the world, CEO and founder of Fly Drone company Nikita Danilov said in a column for TASS.
"Globally, the trend is a growth in drone production and an increase in the spheres where they are used. While instability in international relations and ongoing military conflicts are certainly accelerating drone advancements, they are not the only driving forces. Automation and robotics in manufacturing and transportation provide significant financial advantages and save time—key factors in today’s global economy. The world is in the midst of a drone race, and if we fall behind, we risk being left in the dust," Danilov noted.
He pointed out that drones will increasingly be used in everyday life and civilian missions, primarily for economic reasons. Drawing a parallel to mobile phones—once a rare luxury and now an essential part of daily life—he suggested that drones will follow a similar trajectory. "According to Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the country produced 2.5 times more civilian drones in 2024 than in 2023. Projections for 2025 indicate another twofold increase in production volumes," the Fly Drone CEO said.
Another advantage of drones, he noted, is their accessibility to the general public, provided the necessary permissions are in place. "Training to operate drones is much easier than learning to drive a car," he said. However, he cautioned that with the surge in drone use, conventional air defense systems and interception methods alone will not be sufficient to address security concerns.
"What can truly ensure the safe use of drones? The answer was found long ago—digital platforms powered by artificial intelligence. These systems monitor flights, protect critical infrastructure, and defend industrial and civilian facilities from drone threats," Danilov explained. Such platforms integrate drone surveillance systems, electronic warfare measures, and identification protocols based on the "friend-or-foe" principle.