Russian lawmaker proposes underground data centres for drone protection

Dmitry Sablin, first deputy chair of the State Duma’s defence committee, proposed building underground data centres to protect them from drones. He outlined his position to Interfax on October 14.

Sablin argued that intercepting a high proportion of drones would not eliminate the risk of damage to a data centre. In his assessment, one aircraft could be enough to damage such a facility. He advocated underground construction as a future approach.

The lawmaker was discussing future building practices. The report announced no law, mandatory requirements or specific project. His claim that no alternative could provide protection represents his assessment.

Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev had previously said his ministry was working with the Defence Ministry on protecting information infrastructure. He made that statement at a State Duma committee meeting on Monday.