Over 50 Million KM. of Pipeline Inspected: ZALA Sets the Benchmark for Aerial Monitoring in Energy Sector

ZALA continues to solidify its leadership in aerial monitoring across Russia’s energy infrastructure. Over the past decade, the company’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have surveyed more than 50 million kilometers of pipelines and related facilities—a distance equivalent to over 1,200 orbits around the Earth or 65 round trips to the Moon. Today, more than 100 ZALA flight detachment bases operate across Russia, having carried out over 250,000 flights in ten years. ZALA’s unmanned aircraft have become an essential tool for monitoring critical infrastructure in regions where traditional inspection methods prove inefficient or inaccessible—from the Arctic and remote areas of Siberia to the mountainous terrain of the Caucasus and the Amur region. The technical capabilities of ZALA’s UAS—such as real-time HD video transmission and thermal imaging over distances exceeding 70 kilometers—enable ground teams to rapidly detect and respond to technical anomalies along pipelines and other strategic assets. Recent upgrades to the ZALA T-16 and T-20 platforms have significantly enhanced the range, endurance, and versatility of the systems, expanding their payload capacities and mission profiles. All current ZALA aircraft are now equipped with next-generation communication channels and a proprietary visual navigation system, allowing fully autonomous operations even in the absence—or active suppression—of satellite signals. ZALA’s upgraded 4Z1 digital platform, powered by advanced AI technologies, has dramatically accelerated data processing and anomaly detection—an essential capability for timely responses to potential incidents. The company has also introduced a new onboard processing suite capable of analyzing multiple video streams simultaneously in both visible and infrared spectrums. In addition to technological advancements, ZALA offers secure, cloud-based access to aerial imagery and monitoring data—available globally, including via mobile devices—ensuring continuous operational oversight for energy sector clients. With more than two decades of experience, ZALA has built an extensive network of flight teams and service centers, providing 24/7 support for system operators. Drawing on its longstanding expertise, the company continues to redefine standards in aerial services, helping to drive efficiency and resilience across Russia’s energy infrastructure.

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