Belousov says Russia to spend 300 bln rbl on drones in 2024–2026

NOVOSIBIRSK, Aug 7 (PRIME) -- Financing of Russia’s new national project Unmanned Aerial Systems will amount to about 300 billion rubles in 2024–2026, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov told reporters on August 6.

“The preliminary figures are the following: 48 billion rubles for 2024; about 117 billion rubles for 2025; and 148 billion rubles for 2026. This is huge money for the budget, but it’s worth it,” Belousov said.

Under the president’s decree, the project is to be approved till September 1.

“Certainly, a great deal of state support measures are stipulated. They include support of manufacturers and various forms of subsidies, support of consumers through subsidizing of the flight hour, support of research and development works, support of infrastructure creation, the whole range of measures of assistance,” the official said.

Drone makers will enjoy a whole package of tax benefits as well, and there will be a separate system of benefits for small technological companies, or startups.

Belousov added that there will be no single national operator to regulate activities of drones because it is a highly competitive industry.

(94.8076 rubles – U.S. $1)

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