Nizhny Novgorod is organizing a gathering of young operators and developers of UAVs.

      On April 4, 2026, at 14:43, Society: The Second Open City Gathering (12+) of future operators and developers of drones "Young Defenders of the Sky" will take place in Nizhny Novgorod. The event will be dedicated to the memory of SVO participant Maxim Nastin, whose name is borne by the city Center for Military-Patriotic Education. The head of the city, Yuri Shalabaev, announced the event on social media. According to him, last year the gathering brought together more than 5,000 professionals and technology enthusiasts of various ages. The mayor invited everyone interested to join the gathering. "At the site of the 'Ankudinovka' technopark, you will find: an exhibition of the latest developments in the field of UAVs from leading Nizhny Novgorod companies, training on simulators, control of real quadcopters and 'flights' on FPV drones, as well as master classes on assembling electronic circuits, creating 3D models, and much more," noted Yuri Shalabaev.

      He reminded that since 2024, Nizhny Novgorod has been participating in the project "Unmanned Aerial Systems." Within its framework, specialized classes for drone management have been opened at school No. 168 named after I.I. Labuza and gymnasium No. 2. In 2026, more than 9 million rubles will be allocated for the development of the project. Additional programs in this direction are also being implemented in schools No. 9, 26, 30, 66, 77, 78, 79, 84, 85, 141, 117, and 118, lyceum No. 8, Kstovo school No. 6, the Center for Technical Creativity "Young Motorist," the Palace of Children's Creativity named after V.P. Chkalov, and the educational center "Intellect" in Kstovo. The city department for social policy added that the exhibition will showcase drones of various purposes and discuss their applications. Additionally, master classes will be prepared for guests by instructors from the Center for Military-Patriotic Education named after Maxim Nastin and students from the Radio Physics Faculty of NNGU named after N.I. Lobachevsky. The director of the department, Galina Gurenko, noted that the gathering, like last year, is dedicated to the memory of the camp participant "I Want to Become a Paratrooper," Maxim Nastin. "As a schoolboy, he spent three summers in the camp, where he gained his first experience in military science. Later, Maxim returned to the camp as a commander, quickly becoming a favorite mentor for all the children. On March 19, 2024, Maxim Nastin heroically died in the special military operation zone while fulfilling his duty to the Motherland. For his courage, bravery, and selflessness shown while performing his military duty, he was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage," she said.

      Today, the Center for Military-Patriotic Education named after Maxim Nastin operates a "Drone Operator School." With the support of the head of the city, Yuri Shalabaev, specialized equipment using virtual reality technologies has been purchased for classes. Experienced instructors teach the kids the latest technologies and help them hone their skills on FPV drones and more. The gathering is organized by the administration of Nizhny Novgorod, the "Nadezhda" center, and the Center for Military-Patriotic Education named after Maxim Nastin. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.