Russian businesses have significantly increased spending on non-lethal drone defense systems following government directives to protect private enterprises.
Key facts
- •Commercial demand for drone defense equipment rose 6.6-fold in the first half of 2026.
- •Tenderplan reported total spending reached 441.3 million rubles for the period.
- •Kontur.Zakupok recorded a 49% increase in procurement volume to 25.71 million rubles.
- •Businesses are restricted to non-lethal defense, such as detection gear and electronic warfare equipment.
- •Wildberries has suffered major fires at multiple warehouses following drone strikes since mid-July.
Demand for drone defense equipment among Russian commercial companies grew 6.6-fold in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. According to data from the tender-tracking platform Tenderplan, total spending on these systems reached 441.3 million rubles during this timeframe.
By the numbers
Government Directive and Procurement Trends
The increase in procurement follows a late May instruction from President Vladimir Putin, who directed the Presidential Administration and the government to collaborate with businesses on drone protection strategies. Procurement platform Kontur.Zakupok reported a 49% increase in the monetary volume of such purchases, totaling 25.71 million rubles through its service.
Limitations on Defensive Equipment
Despite the rise in spending, companies remain restricted to purchasing non-lethal defensive technology. Tenderplan representatives clarified that businesses do not have access to military-grade weaponry and are limited to acquiring detection gear, communications equipment, protective barriers, electronic warfare systems, and interceptor drones that do not carry explosives.
Impact on Logistics Infrastructure
The focus on security follows a series of strikes on logistics centers belonging to the marketplace Wildberries. Since mid-July, several of the company's warehouses have experienced major fires due to drone attacks. Estimates from sources cited by The Bell suggest that Wildberries could face direct losses exceeding 100 billion rubles.
Timeline
- Late MayVladimir Putin instructed the government to work with businesses on drone protection proposals.
- First half of 2026Commercial demand for drone defense equipment increased 6.6-fold.
- Mid-JulyUkraine began striking logistics centers belonging to Wildberries.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English).
