I. Metshin: "Young guys are becoming engineers - this is the future of aircraft manufacturing."

      The mayor of Kazan, Ilsur Metshin, visited the production site that develops and manufactures FPV drones and other unmanned systems.

      Today, the mayor of Kazan, Ilsur Metshin, visited the production site "AIM," which is engaged in the production of various unmanned systems. Ground and FPV drones are manufactured for both special military operations and civilian use. The company has grown from a volunteer project into a full-fledged high-tech enterprise.

      Photo: Denis Gordiyko

      "I am amazed at how quickly you are developing and how fast your industry is evolving. You started with simple 3D printing of components, and today you have grown to producing a thousand drones a month. This commands sincere respect. Engineering thought is critically important for the entire country right now. And the fact that young people are entering this field, becoming engineers, and creating a technological chain with their own hands is the key to the future of our aviation industry and the foundation of our technological sovereignty," said the mayor of Kazan, Ilsur Metshin. The company's history began in 2023 when a group of Kazan enthusiasts and engineers united to help the front. The first step was 3D printing necessary components: tail sections for munitions, release systems, and elements of aiming devices. "A significant moment was the trip as a volunteer to the special military operation, where our team helped in one of the hospitals. Upon returning to Kazan, I realized that my mission to help the front must continue," said project leader Chingizhan Minurov. Concerned residents of Kazan joined the process of manufacturing parts. During the operation of the volunteer association, more than 600,000 products were sent to the frontline. Over time, the enterprise transitioned to the production of full-fledged drones. After successful tests of the first devices assembled with personal funds from enthusiasts, it became clear that the demand for UAVs would only grow. "We realized that serious assistance to the front requires volumes that cannot be provided solely by volunteers. To make production stable and scalable, we transitioned the project to commercial rails," explained the director of the enterprise.

      Today, the enterprise has organized a full cycle of product creation: from design and development to final assembly. Both ground drones and flying drones are produced: the company's total output is about 1,000 drones per month.

      In addition to quadcopters, the enterprise produces fixed-wing UAVs. The designs are created using composite materials – carbon and fiberglass. The devices integrate artificial intelligence algorithms, including optical navigation systems. These allow the drone to navigate in space without GPS and external signals – determining coordinates, altitude, and route based on visual data. This enables tasks to be performed autonomously and remain less detectable. The flight range of such devices reaches tens of kilometers, and the time in the air can be up to one and a half hours.

      Another important direction is ground unmanned platforms. The enterprise has developed two models of such devices – "Klin" and "Sverchok." The latter is primarily aimed at civilian tasks and industrial applications. In particular, a pilot project is currently being implemented with one of the agricultural holdings: ground drones are planned to be used for inspecting agricultural land and monitoring the condition of crops and plants.

      Another technological development is the machine vision and following system. The ground robot can automatically move behind a person, orienting itself based on a special marker attached to the person's clothing. This allows the platform to be used as a "follower" for transporting equipment or other cargo.

      Among the applied developments of the enterprise, the interceptor drone "Zilant" stands out, capable of reaching speeds of over 350 km/h. The device can be used to intercept targets both by installing special equipment and by the principle of physical ramming. The developers see it as a more economical alternative to traditional air defense systems.

      During the meeting with Ilsur Metshin, representatives of the enterprise outlined key needs for further growth. Among them are the creation of a specialized testing ground for conducting tests, including flights at various altitudes, as well as assistance in logistics and the operational transfer of finished products to active units. The mayor of Kazan, Ilsur Metshin, took this issue under control and instructed to find a suitable facility that would be convenient and safe for engineers. Anna Sadaeva

      More news about the event:

      From 3D printing to a thousand drones a month: Metshin visited the site that develops and produces FPV drones

      The mayor of Kazan, Ilsur Metshin, visited the production site of the company "AIM," which has grown from a volunteer project to a full-fledged high-tech enterprise in two years. 17:46 03.04.2026 Business Online - Kazan

      I. Metshin: "Young people are becoming engineers – this is the future of aviation"

      The mayor of Kazan, Ilsur Metshin, visited the production site that develops and manufactures FPV drones and other unmanned systems

      Today, the mayor of Kazan, Ilsur Metshin, visited the production site "AIM," 16:51 03.04.2026 Administration of Kazan - Kazan

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      In the Nizhny Novgorod region, they are testing aerial couriers as part of the EPR

      Drone flights are conducted with notification of residents and control by the authorities. 07:25 03.04.2026 Newsroom24.Ru - Nizhny Novgorod

      In Bashkortostan, the unmanned danger regime has been lifted

      The unmanned danger regime has been lifted in Bashkortostan, reported the regional emergency management department. 11:28 02.04.2026 ProUral.Info - Ufa

      Two drones were intercepted in the Bryansk sky

      Two unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed over the territory of the Bryansk region. 23:32 01.04.2026 Network publication News of Bryansk - Bryansk

      Belgorod units repelled attacks from 53 drones

      Photo: Alexey Datskovsky (archive)

      Fighters destroyed FPV drones and fixed-wing UAVs. 15:47 01.04.2026 BelPressa - Belgorod