Russia Considers Banning Light Aviation Over European Part Due to Drones

Russia's Defence Ministry has proposed to Rosaviation that light aviation be banned over the European part of the country to simplify the interception of Ukrainian drones. Pilots are convinced that such a ban would destroy the entire light aviation industry and aviation sports sector.

Russia's Defence Ministry approached Rosaviation in May with a proposal to ban light aircraft flights over Russia's Central European territory. The news was reported by Meduza, which outlines the consequences such a step would bring to the aviation sector.

Drone Attacks Motivate the Ban

Representatives of the aviation industry believe the Russian military wants to use this measure to combat drones operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which have penetrated increasingly deeper into Russian territory in recent months. In May 2025, one of the largest drone attacks since the full-scale phase of the war took place, during which Ukrainian forces struck Moscow and Moscow region.

According to the military's assessment, banning light aviation would simplify the identification and interception of drones, as airspace would be fully controllable without the risk of civilian aircraft interference.

Pilot and Industry Opposition

Pilots and aviation experts view the proposed measure with extreme skepticism. According to them, the ban does not solve military problems but would effectively destroy the entire light aviation industry and aviation sports in Russia. "Will this measure prevent friendly fire? Of course not," pilots told Meduza, pointing out that friendly fire can occur regardless of the absence of civilian aircraft.

Light aviation has economic importance in several sectors, including agriculture, forestry, and is critically important in remote regions, where it is often the only transport option. Implementing a ban would effectively halt operations across the sector.