Russia has launched a dedicated Unmanned Systems Forces branch to manage its expanding drone operations, according to state media.
Branch deputy chief Lt. Col. Sergey Ishtuganov said that the new military segment is fully staffed and already working with front-line groups.
“Operational regiments and other units have been formed,” he stated. “Combat work of the unmanned systems units is being carried out following a single plan and in cooperation with other units in battlegroups.”
Ishtuganov said that the branch now oversees everything from drone training to buying new systems.
Command teams have also been installed at each level, with additional controllers, engineers, and technicians being assigned as more segments stand up.
He added that future specialists are now training at government-run schools and military programs housed in civilian universities, with new drone courses distributed in support of the expansion.
Associated preparations will be further supported by Moscow’s plan to open a dedicated drone academy, Ishtuganov revealed.
Created Under Putin’s Directive
The force stems from President Vladimir Putin’s December 2024 order to form a separate command for unmanned warfare, which will be fully organized by late 2025.
Last June, Moscow announced a push to centralize control of its drone programs as they grow more critical to frontline operations, particularly in the country’s almost four-year war with Ukraine.
Ukraine, which created its own Unmanned Systems Forces in 2024, dismissed Russia’s move.
“They copied our successful solutions,” said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, referring to Russia’s decision.
“It was we who created the companies of strike UAVs, which in 2023 allowed us to have an advantage over the enemy. The Russians are copying and trying to scale our innovations in quantity. This is a threat, of course.”
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