Tatarstan Could Become a Center for the Production of Unmanned Helicopters Based on Ka-226

Unmanned rotorcraft will be able to carry 750 kilograms over a distance of almost 500 kilometers

Tatarstan is considering launching serial production of unmanned helicopters developed on the platform of the domestic multi-purpose helicopter Ka-226. This was announced by the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Tatarstan, Oleg Korobchenko, during a press conference dedicated to the international exhibition-forum Comtrans 2026.

A large company that produces unmanned helicopters has arrived in the republic. The production is based on our Ka-226. They can carry 750 kilograms over a distance of almost 500 kilometers. We want to localize this production here.
Oleg Korobchenko, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Tatarstan

According to Korobchenko, the development of unmanned aviation should not be perceived as a threat to traditional industries — in particular, for automotive logistics. On the contrary, such a technological shift opens up new opportunities for integrating advanced solutions into the infrastructure.

The project to create an unmanned modification of the Ka-226 is already at the stage of technical development. If successfully implemented, it could strengthen the region's position in the field of high-tech aircraft construction and ensure import substitution in the unmanned aviation segment.

Ка-226 is a Russian multi-purpose helicopter developed on the basis of the Ka-26. It features a modular design and improved performance.

Helicopter flight characteristics:

  • Crew: 1–2 people.
  • Passenger capacity: 4–7 (depending on the installed module).
  • Dimensions: main rotor diameter — 13 m, fuselage length — 8.1 m, height with rotating rotors — 4.15 m.
  • Weight: normal take-off — 3100 kg, maximum take-off — 3400 kg.
  • Cruising speed: 195 km/h, maximum speed — 210 km/h.
  • Flight range: 600 km.
  • Static ceiling: out of ground effect — 4100 m, in ground effect — 4600 m.
  • Service ceiling: 5700 m.

Earlier www1.ru reported that «Туполев» plans to build a drone assembly plant in Kazan for 77 million rubles.

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