RuAviation

In a recent interview with Russian business news outlet RBC, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) CEO Vadim Badekha discussed the company’s priorities in developing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

With the Russian government tasking UAC to expedite certification, serial production, and delivery of civil aircraft, as well as to increase output in support of defense operations, the CEO’s statements indicate a strategic shift in UAC’s approach to UAS.

Historically, UAS development in Russia has been primarily driven by the private sector, while UAC focused on large military-grade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Recognizing the growing market potential, UAC now intends to actively engage in developing civil UAS solutions and establishing an open platform for collaboration with external partners.

A key project in this effort is the S-76 — a two-ton cargo vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. Badekha highlighted the project’s strong potential and advanced technical maturity, emphasizing UAC’s commitment to civil UAS initiatives using the S-76 as an example.

“We currently have a dedicated team working on the S-76 — a talented group of young engineers from Sukhoi. The project is progressing well, technically sound, and shows great promise. However, we understand that one project alone is not enough for the civil UAS sector,” said Vadim Badekha.

Demonstrating UAC’s openness to collaboration and innovation, the CEO noted that the corporation is considering bringing in external teams and projects for joint development. He emphasized that UAC has substantial design, manufacturing, and administrative resources that provide a solid foundation for advancing promising projects. “We are ready to explore and evaluate projects, and if they prove viable, we will collaborate,” Badekha added.

Andrey Velichko, Editor-in-Chief of Aviation of Russia, believes UAC’s initiative to create an open design and administrative platform for civil UAS development can significantly accelerate innovation and enhance the competitiveness of Russia’s unmanned aviation industry.

“Bringing in external teams and integrating their developments with UAC’s existing resources will reduce risks and optimize costs, creating favorable conditions for rapid adoption of advanced solutions,” he commented on UAC’s strategy.

Velichko also expressed the view that this approach could eventually lead to the establishment of a Russian center of excellence in civil unmanned aircraft, uniting both government and private sector efforts. This would boost the country’s technological independence, expand export opportunities, and strengthen UAC’s position in the global UAS market.