Centers for the development of new weapons are needed by any modern army, experts say
The military Innovative Technopolis (VIT) Era has begun selecting the most qualified students from the best universities in Russia. Events have already been held in 11 cities. Future operators of the technopark — the so-called conscripts who are engaged in development — will have the opportunity to directly participate in innovative projects that enhance the country's defense capability. Experts note that such a research and production center, aimed at creating and introducing the latest weapons into production, is necessary for any modern army.
The military Innovative Technopolis (VIT) Era has begun selecting the most qualified students from the best universities in Russia. Events have already been held in 11 cities. Future operators of the technopark — the so-called conscripts who are engaged in development — will have the opportunity to directly participate in innovative projects that enhance the country's defense capability. Experts note that such a research and production center, aimed at creating and introducing the latest weapons into production, is necessary for any modern army.
How is the selection process for technopolis
During a trip to universities, representatives of VIT Era talk about the advantages of serving in Innograd in order to attract the most talented young people to develop the latest weapons systems and military equipment. Students of technical specialties who will have to serve in the army after graduation can become an operator of a technopolis.
— We are engaged in promoting, supporting and introducing advanced ideas and breakthrough technologies into production in the interests of ensuring the country's defense and state security, — Vadim Shatilov, senior researcher at Era, told Izvestia. — During the year of service, young scientists and operators of scientific companies of technopolis conduct theoretical and experimental research.
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA
According to him, meetings with students at universities not only allow you to tell more about technopolis, but also provide an opportunity to personally communicate with candidates, which positively affects the quality of selection.
Technopolis employees have already visited technical universities in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Tomsk, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Voronezh, Volgograd and Saransk.
Conversations are conducted with undergraduates, and they ask representatives of technopolis specific questions — about the material and technical equipment of laboratories, about the directions of research and living conditions.
Daniil Bystryakov, a student at Volgograd State Technical University, believes that Era should be of interest to any young person who wants to connect his life with scientific research.
— After graduation, I would like to serve in the technopolis "Era", — he admitted to Izvestia.
Student Vladimir Perederin was interested in the opportunity to realize himself in the military direction.
— In the "Era" they give everything — take it, use it, develop, — he is sure.
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA
The special operation showed that certain types of military equipment are progressing rapidly, new types of weapons are emerging, and, of course, this experience should be generalized in special centers in order to respond to emerging threats in time, Colonel Alexander Perendzhiev, associate professor at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, told Izvestia.
— The opportunity to involve young people in this process should not be missed, — he believes. — There are a lot of fundamentally new directions now, which are probably closer to young people than to established specialists and engineers. For example, the topic of developing anti-drones that could shoot down enemy UAVs is now relevant. They would help protect our cities and valuable infrastructure. Their creation is a new challenge, and it is here that young people could show themselves. Their energy and a fresh look at the problem should give a positive result. And there are many such directions.
The expert noted that an energetic and motivated engineer, even if he left the university yesterday, can bring a lot of benefits to the country in the field of improving the country's defense capability. In his opinion, a development structure is necessary for any modern army.
How do they serve in scientific companies
In the "Era", the order and discipline of the army, but the living conditions are as comfortable as possible. Technopolis has a modern infrastructure for work and recreation. All operators live in double rooms, which are equipped like modern hotel rooms.
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA
There is a sports complex with a swimming pool, a recreation area, scientific buildings, several laboratory buildings, all located on an area of more than 17 hectares on the Black Sea coast.
Theoretical and experimental research in the "Era" is carried out on modern equipment under the guidance of researchers with doctoral and PhD degrees.
Leading universities in the country, such as Bauman Moscow State Technical University, are already cooperating with Era.
"We supplied equipment, came and trained their employees," Vadim Istomin, a leading engineer at Bauman Moscow State Technical University, told Izvestia. — They were taught 3D modeling, rules for building 3D models and technological techniques necessary for the production and manufacture of certain samples or products. One of these projects was military ammunition, specifically protective helmets for fighters.
According to Ekaterina Ushakova, a leading specialist at VIT Era, service in technopolis is an opportunity to further get a job at defense industry enterprises, research institutes or continue serving as an officer.
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA
— We constantly hold job fairs, in which organizations from all over the country participate — here you can find a job for the future, — she clarified.
In order to get into the "Era", the candidate must write a statement about his desire to serve in the scientific companies of technopolis, collect a package of documents and pass the selection.
It is held according to several criteria, and the most significant is a high average score in specialized disciplines, at least 4.5. Details of the competition can be found on the website of the Russian military department.
Innovative projects of the Era
Era has implemented innovative projects. More than 50 products were presented at the international forum "Army-2024" from technopolis, mainly for the tactical army level. Many of them are already being tested in the units of the Russian troops in the area of their own defense.
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA
In particular, the VIT has developed a kamikaze drone "Sparrow", completely made on a domestic component base. The UAV carries a payload of up to 2 kg and can operate at a distance of up to 5 km from the base control station. Such drones are most in demand in the SVO zone — they solve many tasks of suppressing firing points and destroying equipment directly on the front line. Its production will allow our army to achieve independence from the supply of such devices or components from abroad.
Earlier, Izvestia wrote about a multifunctional unmanned boat. It is capable of carrying 20 kg of cargo, and it can also be used as a kamikaze or a platform for two UAVs. The technical solutions used in the manufacture of the backup will help to quickly turn almost any boat or speedboat into an unmanned one.
Bogdan Stepovoy
