Drone parts manufactured in Russia are significantly more expensive than Chinese counterparts. Only 40% of the materials used to create drones in the country are of domestic origin.
Parts produced in Russia for drones currently cost 5–8 times more than foreign analogues.
Currently, approximately 40% of drone parts are produced from domestic raw materials and components. Another 40% are partially manufactured in Russia, while 20% are currently impossible to produce in our country due to technological complexities.
Evgeny Dudorov, Chairman of the Board of the Robotics Consortium and Executive Director of NPO Androidnaya Tekhnika, explained that the problem also lies in the shortage of necessary materials and qualified specialists.
To improve the situation and bring prices to a level comparable to Chinese analogues, enterprises need to ensure that the annual demand for key components is at least 100,000 units. However, it is currently much lower.
For example: the average cost of a frame made in China is 3,000 rubles, while a frame of Russian production costs from 11,000 rubles. A Chinese engine will cost 2–5 thousand rubles, and a similar product of Russian production — from 15 to 30 thousand rubles.
Plastic propellers made in China can be purchased for 900 rubles, while in Russia such cost 1.5 thousand rubles. The difference in the price of batteries is 2–3 thousand rubles.
Nevertheless, Russia produces many drones, for various purposes. One of the latest developments is the Sarma cargo drone, created for performing agricultural work and transporting cargo. It is equipped with two types of engines: internal combustion and electric.
In September, Russia launched mass production of the first domestic heavy Vizir naval drone. This drone is controlled by artificial intelligence without operator intervention. The UAV is capable of performing various tasks: reconnaissance, delivering cargo, and even carrying guided weapons on board.
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