Russia to Stage Test Flight of Cargo Drones Across Border With China
A pilot project will demonstrate cross-border drone logistics, with a symbolic flight over the Amur River.
Russia is preparing to develop unmanned cargo transport links with China. The Transport Ministry held a working group meeting on cross-border drone operations, led by Deputy Transport Minister Boris Tashimov and Senator Artem Sheikin.
Participants discussed expanding international freight transport without drivers, covering both ground routes and aviation. The talks also focused on integrating navigation, monitoring, and identification systems into a unified digital environment.
Flying Over the Amur
A test drone flight is planned for the summer in Blagoveshchensk as part of the “Berega Vkusa” (Shores of Taste festival). The event will serve as a public demonstration of the technology.
The drones will be styled as the Russian Zhar-ptitsa (Firebird) and the Chinese Fenghuang (Phoenix). They will take off simultaneously from opposite banks of the Amur River, cross the border, and meet above the water.
Transport Corridor
At the same time, discussions are underway to launch unmanned transport along the Primorye-2 corridor, which connects Russian regions with Chinese ports and is already used for freight transport. Particular attention was given to satellite monitoring, navigation, and integrating drones into the ERA-GLONASS identification system.
Rules of the Game
The parties agreed to establish ongoing information exchange on drone testing, control systems, and infrastructure development. Another key issue is the legal framework for cross-border transport. Russia and China plan to align their regulatory approaches and requirements for such projects.
