Russia's Aviation Output More Than Doubles in April, Fueled by Drone Surge

Russia's aviation sector, which encompasses both military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, recorded 117% year-on-year output growth in April 2026, sharply accelerating from an average annual growth rate of 68% recorded earlier in 2025, according to Russian state statistics agency Rosstat data cited by Bloomberg. For the first four months of 2026, the sector grew 78% overall. The surge is attributed largely to mass production of low-cost first-person-view (FPV) drones, which have become a dominant feature of ground combat in Ukraine. Longer-range UAVs have also allowed Russia to supplement its cruise missile inventory and sustain strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. Despite the aviation boom, Russia's broader defense industry grew at a more modest 16% in January–April, while civilian industrial output contracted 3% amid high interest rates, weakening demand, and sanctions pressure. Russia does not publish absolute production figures, but Ukraine's top commander estimated Russia plans to manufacture 7.3 million FPV drones and 7.8 million drone warheads in 2026 alone. By contrast, Russia has delivered only around 76 conventional fighter aircraft to its armed forces since the war began.