Dear Reader,

You are holding the first edition of the Review of the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Russia’s Agricultural Sector. Let us briefly explain the purpose of this review and why we dedicated our time to its creation.

The 2024 agricultural season, much like the previous 2023 season, has demonstrated a significant surge in the use of drones in Russian agriculture. Over the next 3–5 years, the number of players in the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector for agricultural applications is expected to increase tenfold. This means that many new participants have already entered the industry in the past year, and even more will join in the near future—both young graduates and professionals transitioning from other fields. Additionally, there are related professions, as well as government officials who, while not directly using UAS themselves, must have a proper understanding of their features, advantages, and limitations due to their professional responsibilities.

At present, this sector lacks comprehensive training manuals, established standards for specialized agricultural UAS, and a standardized terminology framework. Given the relatively small number of experienced professionals compared to newcomers, the natural knowledge transfer process—learning from more seasoned colleagues—is not always effective. Not everyone will have the fortune of working alongside an experienced mentor during their initial immersion into the field. Recognizing this challenge, we sought ways to mitigate its negative impact. To address this, we developed educational programs, recorded video lessons, organized training schools for agrodrones, and actively answered newcomers’ questions in industry-specific forums. These are important and necessary steps, but they are not enough. Another essential element in addressing the knowledge gap is a freely accessible, written source of information.

At this stage of rapid technological and methodological advancements, creating a formal textbook would be premature. Moreover, the most experienced professionals are far from retiring and writing textbooks, while academic faculty still have limited and indirect practical experience. As a result, the most suitable written format for consolidating and sharing knowledge within the industry at this point is an updatable review of UAS applications in the agricultural sector. The first edition of this Review is now in your hands.

This is a non-commercial project in which industry experts systematically present fundamental knowledge about UAS applications, using unified terminology as much as possible. However, this Review is not meant to reveal every detail of the profession—those seeking in-depth expertise should consider advanced in-person training programs that include several weeks of practical sessions with experienced instructors. Likewise, the Review does not offer direct business recommendations or strategies for agricultural producers or UAS operators—such inquiries are best addressed to industry experts through consultations or advisory boards.

Our goal with this Review is to initiate a structured analytical approach to UAS applications in agriculture, contribute to standardizing industry terminology, and facilitate knowledge exchange among experienced professionals. At the very least, this publication will help readers understand who is currently active in the industry, who has expertise, and whom they can turn to for guidance. Over time, as this Review is updated and expanded, it may serve as a foundation for the development of industry standards and a unified terminology framework.

Editor-in-Chief of Review of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Russia's Agricultural Sector
M.S. Chizhov