Tambov bakery complex starts drone production for Russian military

A bakery complex in Russia’s Tambov has started drone production “for the needs of the special military operation”, the enterprise’s deputy head Alexander Rudik told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

The bakery complex started sending bread produce, and then medicines and equipment, to the front line after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine had started.

“When the servicemen said they had enough food, medicines, and clothing and were in need of UAVs, the enterprise decided to start production of drones alongside bread loaves and pretzels,” Rossiyskaya Gazeta says.

Rudik says the employees of the enterprise attempted to develop their own drone model using parts “that can be easily bought in an online store”. They produced several prototypes and sent those to the military.

“One drone was lost, and we received valuable feedback, so we improved the design and started full production, reducing the cost of making as much as possible,” Rudik said.

This UAV is called Bekas and is an FPV drone, i.e, the simplest option with minimum electronics onboard and manual control. The enterprise is expecting to start using 3D printers to produce antennae holders and cameras. Rudik’s estimates is that one drone should cost about 25 to 50 thousand rubles (€300-600) to produce, depending on its properties.

The first batch of 16 such drones is scheduled to be sent to the military in late March. The capacity of the enterprise can provide up to 200 drones each month.

School students in Sobinki, Russia’s Vladimir region, were told to sew balaclavas in class for soldiers sent to the war in Ukraine in late October 2022. The students wrapped the balaclavas in paper signed “Remember, warrior, you’re the best! Russia is with you!”

School students in Labytnangi in north Russia were given tasks to produce clothes for the military.