By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow: Russia will set up a joint venture with Israel to produce advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) required for the enhancement of reconnaissance system of the Russian armed forces, a senior official said Wednesday.
State Technology Corporation Rostekhnologii plans to establish a joint venture with Israel Airspace Industry for the production of UAVs.
“We have already bought 15 drones for testing and we do not rule out a joint production of UAVs with Israel,” Sergei Chemezov, head of the Russian corporation, told RIA Novosti.
Russian Deputy Defence Minister Vladimir Popovkin said earlier that Russia had spent about 5 billion rubles ($172 million) on the development of drones, which eventually failed their tests.
Russian Air Force commander Col.Gen. Alexander Zelin said last November that Russian UAVs do not satisfy the requirements in speed, altitude or their specifications.
According to various estimates, the Russian military needs up to 100 UAVs and at least 10 guidance systems to ensure effective battlefield reconnaissance.