OREANDA-NEWS Russia must radically accelerate the development of unmanned aircraft in order to become a leader, and global competition in this area is intense, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Obviously, the situation is difficult, and competition in this area is intense in the world. And in order for Russia to be among the leading technological leaders in the field of unmanned aircraft by 2030, the development of the industry should be radically accelerated. Appropriate decisions should be made as soon as possible. All key activities should be provided with appropriate financing," Putin said at a meeting on the development of unmanned aircraft.