The Russian government has authorized federal postal organizations to be equipped with technical means to counter unmanned aerial vehicles. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed the decree, dated September 3.
The changes amend a list of weapons and special equipment in force since 2005. Added to it are means to counter unmanned aerial, underwater and surface vessels and devices, as well as unmanned vehicles and other automated systems. The document does not specify which particular means will be used.
Previously, the permitted equipment list included service and civilian weapons, ammunition, bulletproof vests and other personal protective equipment. Anti-drone means were placed in a separate category.
The decree does not clarify which job positions will be allowed to use the new equipment. They were added to the general list for equipping postal organizations, without reference to specific specialties.
Similar powers have been granted to other entities earlier. In May, the State Duma allowed cash collection officers of the Central Bank and Sberbank to shoot down drones on their own. Earlier, President Vladimir Putin allowed private security firms to use firearms to repel drone attacks on facilities of strategic enterprises, state companies and natural monopolies.