Russian battlefield drone technology could eventually extend beyond Earth and find its way into space, according to Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, who shared his views in an interview with TASS.

Kartapolov argued that unmanned systems are no longer limited to the air. Today they already exist in several environments, including surface and underwater maritime platforms. In his view, the logical next step for such technologies is their expansion into space.

He noted that in a certain sense similar systems already operate in orbit. Satellites, he suggested, effectively perform many of the same functions as unmanned devices. However, Kartapolov believes that the future could bring a much larger number of relatively simple autonomous machines working in space and carrying out a wide range of tasks in the interests of humanity.

At the same time, the lawmaker expressed hope that these developments would primarily serve peaceful purposes. He pointed out that at present a significant share of unmanned technology is used on the battlefield.

Kartapolov also explained why drones have become so widespread in modern conflicts. Their relatively low production cost, the ability to carry out missions without putting human lives at risk, and their versatility have all contributed to their rapid adoption.

According to the deputy, drones are already among the most advanced and effective tools in warfare and will likely remain so in the near future.