Russia setting up separate drone units in military to counter unmanned threats

As warfare continues to constantly evolve and change, drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have emerged as a game-changer. From targetted airstrikes to intelligence gathering, surveillance and border monitoring missions, these have, in many ways, revolutionised warfare. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the recent India-Pakistan have shown the advantages that drones present, including reduced human risks and the ability to operate in extreme and hostile terrains. 

 

Realising the battlefield edge that drones offer, Russia has decided to set up a drone forces unit within the military.

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According to news agency TASS, President Vladimir Putin ordered the formation of the drone troops as soon as possible. "We are currently building drone troops as a separate branch of the military, and these should be developed and deployed as soon as possible," he was quoted as saying.

 

Highlighting the importance of setting up a special drones unit, he pointed out that fighting against different unmanned aerial vehicles requires new approaches and non-standard solutions.

 

"The new state arms program should provide for forming a universal air defense system that would function in any situation and effectively hit means of air attack, regardless of their type," Putin said.

 

In 2024, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov proposed setting up such a force. 

Defence