Article Posted on : - Sep 21, 2010

A file photo

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia has completed a series of tests for its indigenously built unmanned aerial vehicles at Nizhny Novgorod Region in central Russia, a media report said.

Col. Gen. Alexander Postnikov, chief commander of the Ground Forces and his special military commission observed the tests conducted on UAVs.

The domestic manufacturers had made some ‘significant progress’ in the development and design of the UAVs, many of which can now enter service.

"Russia had spent about 5 billion rubles ($172 million) on the development of indigenous drones, which eventually failed tests," RIA Novosti quoted Russian Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin as saying on Monday.

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.

Russia has received a two Bird Eye 400 systems (worth $4 million), eight I View MK150 tactical UAVs ($37 million) and two Searcher Mk II multi-mission UAVs ($12 million), from Israel under a $50 million contract signed in April 2009.

Israel and Russia are currently negotiating the establishment of a $300 million joint venture to develop and produce UAVs in Russia.