20 Russian Workshops Produce Thousands of FPV Drones Daily

A compelling video recently surfaced on Twitter that shows massive ongoing production of Russian First-Person View [FPV] drones in numbers exceeding thousands each day. This visual evidence contradicts the view that Russia lacks the technological capacity for such a massive output. The production floor does not resemble a technologically advanced facility teeming with engineers and research scientists. Instead, it takes the form of a utilitarian workshop, staffed adequately to handle everything from circuit assembly to drone testing and dispatch. The video showcases a well-stocked workshop with sufficient microprocessor boards and chips to assemble thousands of FPV drones monthly. A disguised voice states, “The Russian FPV drone production is decentralized, happening in multiple locations across the nation.” Footage reveals a well-organized storage system housing thousands of prepared drones on vertical racks. Rigorous testing procedures include verifying the controllers, ensuring successful payload communication, and ascertaining motor reliability during flight. “Following a thorough 30-second test, drones are ready for dispatch,” comments the narrator. The instructor notes that many of the trainees are familiar with 21st-century technology and video game experience, making them adept drone operators.

Our thanks to CDR David Place (USN/Ret), davidplace47[at]gmail[dot]com, for his assistance with this report, the background for which appeared in USN Edition  # 23 - 19 - 11 NOVEMBER 2023 edition of the UNMANNED SYSTEMS NEWS (USN). David distributes the USN, a free, comprehensive newsletter in PDF format every three to four weeks, as well as serial news flashes, from which this NREF news update was sourced. To be included in his distribution, simply send a subscribe request to davidplace47[at]gmail[dot]com.