Russia’s Kalashnikov Group has started producing new Archangel unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Russian Armed Forces. The company says the drones are “in high demand” in the special military operation zone.
Partnership with Archangel Project
The arms maker has signed a deal with the Archangel Project, a Russian group known for building first-person view (FPV) drones. Under the deal, Archangel will test the best drone designs from different defense firms. These models will be tried in real combat. Once tested, Kalashnikov will use its factories to make them on a larger scale.
Company officials say demand for drones is rising fast. On the battlefield, UAVs are now used for scouting, surveillance, and direct strikes. This makes them a key part of Russia’s military strategy.
Training for Soldiers
Kalashnikov and Archangel will also set up training programs. Soldiers will learn how to operate drones made by Kalashnikov and other producers. The plan also includes training new instructors. These instructors will then prepare more operators across the armed forces.
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Analysts note that training is just as important as production. Modern combat requires both advanced technology and skilled people. Without trained operators, drones cannot be used to their full potential.
Archangel Drone Features
The Archangel Project began in 2022. It was started by a group of drone developers and has grown quickly. Project centers now exist in several Russian cities.
Founder Mikhail Filippov said the Archangel drone can reach speeds of 280 km/h and strike targets up to 50 kilometers away. In April, the drone carried out test flights. In June, it was tested in Crimea and performed well.
The Archangel’s mix of speed and range makes it one of Russia’s fastest FPV drones. Its design allows it to deliver fast and precise attacks on enemy positions.
Expanding Russia’s Drone Arsenal
The new production line adds to Russia’s growing drone arsenal. Experts believe the Kalashnikov-Archangel partnership could boost supplies to the military and cut reliance on foreign technology.
Kalashnikov brings its large industrial capacity. Archangel provides design expertise. Together, they aim to give Russia a stronger position in drone warfare.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
Muhammad Mudassir
Muhammad Mudassir is a student of Defence and Strategic Studies at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. His areas of interest include defence analysis, strategic research, and geopolitical studies.
