Putin praised the production of civilian products at defense industry plants in Udmurtia

Udmurt enterprises of the military-industrial complex (MIC) demonstrate a high share of the production of civilian and dual-use products. This was stated by Vladimir Putin on July 21 at a meeting with the head of the republic Alexander Brechalov. The region's economy is growing rapidly: if in 2018 the GRP was 592 billion, then in 2025 it was already 1.3 trillion rubles. However, in the social sphere, attention should be paid to the shortage of schools in Izhevsk and the lack of ambulance specialists.

What was discussed at the meeting

Alexander Brechalov presented to the president new programs for the professional adaptation of fighters — "Your Reserve 18" by analogy with the federal program "Time of Heroes", as well as a special accelerator for those who want to start their own business. They are provided with a loan from 50,000 to 2 million rubles at a rate of up to 6.5% per annum. "Given the current bank rates, this is a reasonable figure, and the demand for this accelerator is high," said the head of the region.

The head of the region spoke about the significant share of the defense industry in the gross regional product and tax revenues. At the same time, Udmurt defense industry enterprises also demonstrate a high share of the production of civilian and dual-use products. "22% is already decent. That's good," Vladimir Putin said.

The regional economy as a whole has a good pace: if in 2018 the GRP was 592 billion rubles, then in 2025 it reached 1.3 trillion rubles. The President also noted the doubling of regional exports compared to 2023. In particular, it has grown due to new markets: for example, powdered milk is now being shipped in large volumes to Africa. The entrepreneurs also opened the markets of Saudi Arabia, Mongolia and Southeast Asia. Now Udmurtia is preparing to increase its non-primary exports by five times by 2030. "The world is bigger, and there are more consumers. You just have to get into it more actively, and everything will work out. We have very active entrepreneurs, and I am proud of them. They rolled up their sleeves and went to explore new markets," stated Alexander Brechalov.

However, there are gaps in the social sphere in Udmurtia. About 26% of schoolchildren are still studying in the second shift, the president recalled. It has been decided to increase the pace of school construction in the region: so far, the queue is 2.8 thousand students. Alexander Brechalov named roads as one of the main problems of Udmurtia. This year, a three-year reconstruction program is being launched in Izhevsk, the capital of the republic. The authorities will spend 4.5 billion rubles on improving roads, sidewalks and public spaces. Brechalov also invited the president to come to the opening of a state-of-the-art martial arts center in the republic in September.

Vladimir Putin drew attention to the shortage of ambulance workers in the republic — only 5.5 specialists per 10,000 inhabitants. Speaking of demographics, by 2030 the authorities want to increase the birth rate to 1.6. Now it is 1.39, which is lower than the average in Russia. The President believes that the total fertility rate should be higher. "Even by 2030, this is not enough. But I understand that it was not easy to achieve this, but it should be at least 2.1," Vladimir Putin concluded.