Competition featuring unmanned aerial vehicles occurs in Kamchatka region
First Open-Air Drone Racing Competition Takes Flight in Kamchatka Krai
In a historic first for the region, Kamchatka Krai, Russia, played host to the inaugural open-air drone racing competition on June 9, 2025. The event, held at the "Patriot" youth center, attracted eighteen drone operators from Yelizovo, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and the Viluchinsky urban district.
The competition, organized by the Kamchatka Krai Ministry of Digital Development, marked a significant step forward in promoting technological innovation and youth engagement in the region. Alexander Belikov, the Director of the "Patriot" Center, emphasized the event's importance, stating that drone operation is a promising field that prepares youth for the future.
The platform for the competition was the largest open drone territory in the region, built in collaboration with the regional Ministry of Digital Transformation. With two categories - amateurs and professionals - participants competed in both the "Obstacle Course" and "Drone Racing" disciplines.
The competition saw a diverse range of participants, with ages ranging from 14 to 48. Many had practical flying experience and simulator skills, showcasing the growing interest in the sport. The winners were determined by the best time sum from each athlete's two course completions.
Artem Fedorov from Center "Warrior" emerged victorious, with Mikhail Shevchuk from the same centre securing second place. Mikhail Pakhomov, representing the Kamchatka Drone Racing Federation, placed third. Sergei Voroshilov, head of the education department of the Yelizovsky municipal district, highlighted the uniqueness of the platform.
The success of this event has paved the way for future tournaments, including at the regional level. As drone racing continues to gain popularity worldwide, Kamchatka Krai is poised to become a hub for this exciting sport, boosting tourism and technological advancement in the region.
Drone operators showcased their skills with a variety of gadgets during the open-air drone racing competition, demonstrating the fusion of technology and sport. The competitive platform was a testament to the regional advancement in open drone territories, built through a collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
