Contest featuring unmanned aerial vehicles held in Kamchatka
In a historic first for the region, the Kamchatka Krai witnessed the launch of its largest open-air drone racing competition on June 9, 2025, at the "Patriot" youth center in Kamchatka Krai.
Alexander Belikov, the Director of the "Patriot" Center, emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it was a promising direction preparing the youth for the future. The competition, organised by the Kamchatka Krai Ministry of Digital Development, featured two disciplines: Obstacle Course and Drone Racing.
The venue for the competition, the "Patriot" Center, was built last year in collaboration with the regional Ministry of Digital Development. It is now the largest open drone territory in Kamchatka. The specially equipped open-air course was a testament to the commitment towards fostering this new and exciting sport.
Eighteen drone operators, aged 14 to 48, from Yelizovo, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and the Viluchinsky City District participated in the event. These participants included both drone operators with practical flying experience and those with simulator skills. For many, this was their first taste of real-world drone racing.
The competition marked the debut of drone racing in Kamchatka. The event saw intense competition, with participants vying for the top spots. The winners of the competition were Artem Fedorov (Center "Voinnie"), Mikhail Shevchuk (Center "Voinnie"), and Mikhail Pakhomov (Kamchatka Drone Racing Federation). Each athlete completed the track twice, and winners were determined by the best time sum.
Belikov expressed his hopes for regular tournaments, including at the regional level, following the success of the inaugural event. The "Patriot" Center, apart from being a hub for drone racing, also teaches drone assembly, maintenance, and their application in civil and patriotic purposes.
Despite a lack of publicly available information on the history, significance, or future plans of the competition, the event marked a milestone in the development of drone sports in Kamchatka Krai. For those interested in the latest updates, local Kamchatka news sources or specialized drone racing communities may provide more up-to-date information.
Technology played a crucial role in the drone racing competition at the "Patriot" Center, as the event showcased the latest advancements in drone design and control systems. Sportsmanship and competitive spirit were also evident as participants from different age groups and regions, including Yelizovo, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and the Viluchinsky City District, came together to compete in this new and exciting sport.
