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Russia Grounds Drones Without ERA-GLONASS Link
1 Oct
Summary
- Russia requires drones over 250 grams to connect to ERA-GLONASS from October 1, 2026.
- This rule aims to track civilian drones for safety and accountability.
- The ERA-GLONASS system is Russia's national telematics platform for emergency data.
As of October 1, 2026, Russia is implementing a new regulation requiring all civilian drones exceeding 250 grams to be connected to the ERA-GLONASS tracking system to submit flight plans. This directive from the Ministry of Transport designates the State Air Traffic Management Corporation as the entity that will enforce this prerequisite.
The ERA-GLONASS platform, already mandatory for vehicles since January 2017, is being adapted to serve as a comprehensive clearinghouse for drone data. It is designed to receive and process information from various tracker types, relaying crucial details like position, altitude, and identification to supervisory bodies.
This initiative arrives amid an escalating conflict where drones play a significant role. While officials suggest the system could ease existing drone bans, restrictions in Moscow and St. Petersburg are currently unaffected. The ambitious goal is to monitor up to one million unmanned vehicles, though current registration numbers indicate a substantial gap between drones in circulation and those officially logged.
Questions remain regarding the system's full capabilities, particularly claims about a potential 'kill switch' to land drones remotely. Current decrees outline a one-way data feed, not a command link, suggesting such functionality may not be implemented. The broader context highlights a growing state awareness of drone's potential impact, especially during ongoing conflicts.
