Russian firms boost anti-drone defenses amid escalating attacks

Russian private companies significantly increased their procurement of anti-drone defense systems in the first half of 2026, with demand multiplying 6.6 times compared to the same period last year. This surge reflects growing concerns over escalating Ukrainian drone attacks across the country.

According to local media reports, spending on equipment designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles reached 441.3 million rubles (approximately $5.32 million) in the first six months of the year. The purchased items include protective barriers, nets, communication jamming systems, electronic warfare equipment, and non-explosive interceptor drones. These measures are being adopted as companies strive to safeguard their installations from a rising number of aerial assaults.

Experts suggest that the heightened demand was particularly influenced by a directive issued in late May by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The order urged the government to assist private enterprises in bolstering their defenses against drones. This initiative aligns with a broader trend of Russian authorities delegating the protection of national infrastructure to the private sector.

The situation is particularly acute in regions like Krasnodar, bordering the Black Sea, which has been heavily targeted. Local authorities there announced plans in late July to establish anti-drone defenses using employees from local companies, offering them salaries and assurances they would not be sent to the front lines.

Further underscoring the evolving security landscape, reports from late May indicated that Russian companies might now be permitted to acquire heavy-caliber weapons, including anti-aircraft artillery and radar systems, for self-defense against drone attacks. The e-commerce platform Wildberries, often referred to as Russia's Amazon, has been identified as a company significantly affected by recent attacks, and notably, it also offers defense equipment for sale.