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IRT’s products include “kamikaze” drones, which are cheap, disposable units with explosives to hit targets accurately. They also offer advanced drones that can fly for up to 20 hours and cover more than 1,600 kilometers, taking high-quality images. Initially meant for inspecting energy pipelines, these high-tech drones are now used in combat.
The conflict in Ukraine has led Russia to find new ways to avoid Western sanctions. These sanctions aim to block Russian companies from getting vital components. However, Russia is using alternative supply channels, especially through China, and setting up “front” companies in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and some Central Asian nations.
While IRT has not answered questions about its role in the defense industry, experts believe their technology can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Although first built for civilian use, these drones have clear military applications.
Robert Shaw, the director at the California Center for Arms and Sanctions Research, points out that IRT’s “kamikaze” models are good examples of this dual-use technology, clearly intended for military use.
As the conflict in Ukraine intensifies and international ties fray, companies like IRT are continuing to play a crucial role in supplying technology to Russia’s military efforts, even as global authorities strive to curtail the influx of critical components to the nation.
Although IRT’s long-term plans remain uncertain, the company may soon face a dilemma: whether to persist in developing military drones or revert to its original civilian-focused applications.
An alternative scenario could see the company leveraging its acquired expertise and government subsidies to emerge as a leading figure in Russia’s drone technology sector, irrespective of ongoing military conflicts. Additionally, Russia’s long-term economic strategy might continue to emphasize defense technology, maintaining the militarization of the drone sector.
IRT’s local competitors within Russia, who also operate in the drone industry, are likely striving to capitalize on similar government subsidies and contracts amid the sector’s militarization. These companies might attempt to outpace IRT by creating more advanced models or offering lower prices to secure contracts from the Russian government and military. However, IRT’s accomplishments could intensify domestic competition and attract further investment into this sector.
Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022, the manufacturing of kamikaze drones and FPV [First-Person View] drones has surged significantly. These drones have become pivotal in modern military operations, with both Russia and Ukraine employing them for reconnaissance, attacks, and the destruction of enemy infrastructure.
With the onset of the conflict, Russia has ramped up mass production of kamikaze drones, relying on both domestic manufacturers and external partners like Iran. The Shahed-136 drone, notorious for its targeted strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, is being produced in large numbers. Russia is also advancing its own models, such as the Lancet, designed specifically for striking military equipment and installations.
“The design, testing, and mass production of unmanned aircraft will be concentrated in specialized research and production centers. Our goal is to set up 48 such centers in various regions by 2030,” Putin stated at a Military-Industrial Commission meeting dedicated to UAV development.
Since the conflict in Ukraine escalated in 2022, the production of military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Russia has accelerated significantly. In 2023 alone, Russia delivered approximately 140,000 drones to its military. Projections for 2024 are even more ambitious, targeting the production of 1.4 million units. Apart from aircraft, there is a strong emphasis on developing UAVs equipped with artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
BULGARIAN MILITARY