Aleksandr Sheldyaev outlines Bashkortostan's drone aviation development

Bashkortostan's Acting Prime Minister Aleksandr Sheldyaev outlined the republic's progress in unmanned aviation. He said Bashkortostan ranks among the top three in the federal drone-ification rating. Specialised classes operate in 20 schools, and a practical training centre has been launched at the Ufa College of Radioelectronics.

Sheldyaev said the republic is developing its own production of drones, engines and components, and creating AI-based solutions, autonomous navigation and secure communications. In 2025, a 10,000-square-metre scientific and production centre opened. It now hosts 24 resident companies conducting research on 20 projects.

Drone use is also growing in civil sectors. Last year, drone flights in the republic rose one and a half times to more than 7,000. The drones are used to monitor infrastructure, for mapping and for agricultural monitoring. A testing ground called Zauralye, covering more than 35,000 square kilometres, is under construction in Bashkortostan to test new systems and flight scenarios. The project has received approval from the Russian president. Sheldyaev proposed continuing the discussion at the Russian Industrial Forum in Ufa on 18–20 November.