Russian Arms Manufacturer Kalashnikov Mulls Drone Production

Kalashnikov is eyeing to produce unmanned aerial vehicles in a joint venture with ZALA Aero, the company’s CEO Alexei Krivoruchko said at the International Defence Exhibition IDEX 2015 in Abu Dhabi.

Kalashnikov has decided to purchase 52 per cent stake in ZALA, a manufacturer of unmanned aircraft.

 “We have made a decision to purchase a share and to create a joint venture to produce reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles on the basis of Kalashnikov Concern and Russian company ZALA Aero,” Krivoruchko was quoted as saying by Russia and India Report Sunday.

“Based on the Kalashnikov Concern and the ZALA Aero company, we plan to develop and produce unmanned aerial vehicles, mobile and ground control stations,” said Krivoruchko. “Our main product here will be intelligence-gathering unmanned planes, helicopters and aerostats,” he said.

The drones will be employed in border control, reconnaissance, rescue and special missions. They will be helpful in monitoring emergency situations and dangerous objects, as well as geodetic research in harsh climate conditions

“The decision to purchase a controlling stake in ZALA Aero was made to widen our product line. This is part of the strategy of the Kalashnikov Concern’s development through to the year 2020 and also part of the process of developing new sectors of our market,” said Krivoruchko.