The Komi Republic is exploring the construction of landing sites for cargo drones in its Arctic regions, alongside modernizing existing passenger airfields for this purpose, according to the regional Ministry of Economic Development, Industry and Transport.

“The exact number of sites will be determined after federal support is approved,” the ministry stated.

In Komi, drones are already being used in geodesy, cartography, construction, and for monitoring power lines, oil and gas pipelines, as well as tracking pollution.

“Unlike some other regions, Komi has not banned civilian drone flights – their use is regulated by current federal laws,” the ministry added.

The Arctic zone in Komi includes the Ust-Tsilemsky District, along with the cities of Usinsk, Inta, and Vorkuta – one of the 16 cities and regions in the Russian Arctic designated as backbone development zones.