Russian Businesses Seek Heavier Weapons for Drone Defense

Russian companies are urging President Vladimir Putin to provide heavier weaponry and advanced electronic systems to protect their industrial facilities from an escalating wave of Ukrainian drone attacks. Alexander Shokhin, the head of Russia's most influential business lobby, conveyed this request during a meeting with Putin.

Russian industry, including oil refineries, storage facilities, fertilizer plants, and ports, has been significantly impacted by the surge in drone assaults this year. While the government has already authorized the use of automatic rifles by private security firms and allowed reservists to join local defense units, businesses argue these measures are insufficient.

Shokhin stated that companies require not only light weapons but also more substantial systems, such as electronic warfare capabilities and laser installations. "Businesses are ready to finance all this work, but a mechanism is needed where financing schemes are clear. This could be a fund of some sort or another form of targeted financing," he explained, representing the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

In addition to the need for enhanced defense, Shokhin also requested Putin grant companies a deferral on penalties for delayed tax and other payments to the state budget, particularly for facilities damaged by drone attacks. He further voiced concerns that the frequent movement of security units between different plant sites, despite the decision to deploy reservists, is weakening overall defenses.

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Businesses are ready to finance all this work, but a mechanism is needed where financing schemes are clear. This could be a fund of some sort or another form of targeted financing.