Putin says to meet with ministries, firms to discuss drones devt

MOSCOW, Feb 9 (PRIME) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he will hold a special meeting on the development of drones with the representatives of ministries and related companies in March–May.

“I ask the Agency (for Strategic Initiatives) to provide the needed expert support to the regions of the federation both in formation of demand for unmanned vehicles and creation of local cutting-edge infrastructure for their wide exploitation. In the spring, we’ll discuss the results of this serious joint work at a special meeting,” Putin said at a meeting of the agency’s supervisory board.

The president earlier ordered the government to ensure approval of a national project of development of unmanned aircraft systems until 2030 by September 1.

“Unmanned systems are a true catalyzer of the so-called cross-cutting technologies in such fields as navigation, connection, energy storage systems, new materials, artificial intelligence, engine construction, micro and radio electronics,” Putin said.

The president also ordered the agency to shape a staff training system for unmanned aviation and work on international programs of training of specialists for highly technological industries.

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