On November 2, 2025, Russia introduced a new grading system to evaluate provincial capabilities in drone production and training, known as the “dronification” score. This initiative aims to enhance unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities across the nation, excluding recently annexed Ukrainian territories, by assessing critical factors such as infrastructure and financing. The Republic of Bashkortostan topped the inaugural rankings, reflecting a shift from agricultural drones to combat munitions, while major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg scored lower due to concentrated infrastructure strengths. This strategic move underscores Russia’s commitment to boosting domestic drone capabilities in response to Western sanctions, enhancing resilience in ongoing military operations, particularly in Ukraine, by diversifying production capabilities across its regions.