The best specialist in the operation of unmanned aerial systems has been identified in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      In the Nizhny Novgorod region, the results of the regional stage of the All-Russian professional skills competition "Best in Profession" in the nomination "Specialist in the Operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems" have been summarized. The event took place at the Bor Governor's College. The organizer was the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Entrepreneurship of the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      The event was attended by Igor Pantyukhin, the Minister of Demography and Human Capital Development of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Vladimir Balakin, the Deputy Minister of Industry, Trade, and Entrepreneurship of the region, and Alexey Volkov, the Director of the Bor Governor's College.

      "The development of unmanned aviation is one of the priority areas for the Nizhny Novgorod region. Together with the Scientific and Production Center for UAVs, the regional Ministry of Industry is conducting comprehensive work to develop this industry. We support developers and manufacturers, create conditions for the implementation of new technologies, and pay great attention to training personnel. As part of the national project 'Unmanned Aerial Systems', 265 residents of the Nizhny Novgorod region underwent advanced training programs in this field in 2025. The 'Best in Profession' competition provided an opportunity for specialists in the operation of unmanned aerial systems to demonstrate their professional competencies and exchange experiences with colleagues," noted Maxim Cherkasov, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Entrepreneurship of the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      He added that the competition tasks were as close as possible to the real work tasks of UAV operation specialists. The specialists underwent testing on relevant issues, completed a search mission on an unmanned aerial vehicle, and demonstrated their skills in managing UAVs in a simulation environment.

      As a result of the competition trials, the first place was awarded to Pavel Palazhov, the head of the fire-chemical station of the Uren forest fire station III type of the State Autonomous Institution of Nizhny Novgorod "Nizhny Novgorod Forest Fire Center." The second place was awarded to Konstantin Abramov, a technician at the practical training center for UAVs at the Bor Governor's College. The third place was taken by Natalia Volkova, a forester at the Uren forest fire station of the State Autonomous Institution of Nizhny Novgorod "Nizhny Novgorod Forest Fire Center."

      The winner of the regional stage will represent the Nizhny Novgorod region at the all-Russian final of the "Best in Profession" competition in the nomination "Specialist in the Operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems." The main prize is 1 million rubles.

      "The significance of the profession of unmanned system operator is hard to overestimate today. These systems are used in various fields—from monitoring fields to search and rescue operations. This means that the future belongs to those who can manage them. For the second year in a row, we gather the best specialists in the Nizhny Novgorod region to give them an impetus for growth and the opportunity to make a name for themselves across the country. I congratulate the participants and wish the winner to represent their region with dignity at the federal stage in September," emphasized Igor Pantyukhin.

      Let us remind you that the development of UAVs in the country is being carried out as part of the national project "Unmanned Aerial Systems," developed at the request of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Its implementation contributes to creating conditions for the production of various types of devices, expanding their application in all sectors of the economy, resulting in the formation of an innovative industry that will open additional opportunities for business and society as a whole.

      Kristina Koretskaya