Russia is planning to form and mobilize a military unit dedicated to unmanned aerial system operations amid its invasion of Ukraine.
The strategy, announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, is expected to deploy the formation “as soon as possible” to counter emerging threats on the battlefield.
This new command, which would include separate troops from Moscow’s existing drone operators, will apply “new approaches and non-standard solutions” based on lessons from its ongoing war in eastern Europe, which has seen multiple skirmishes involving autonomous platforms.
“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,” Russian news outlet TASS reported, citing Putin.
Volodymyr Zelensky via X
If activated, the new segment of the Russian military will support its broader national strategy announced last year of establishing “Unmanned Systems Forces” by the third quarter of 2025 and to triple annual production of unmanned aerial systems by 2030.
Large-Scale Drone Attack on Russia
Putin’s decision follows Ukraine’s massive drone strike, which destroyed bomber aircraft on Russian territory earlier in June.
Kyiv said that the assault damaged approximately $7 billion worth of planes stationed at four locations many miles from each other and wounded over 60 people.
The unexpected operation saw Ukrainian drones that were concealed in shipping containers bound for Russia, specifics of which were planned for three years, the Ukrainian government claimed.
The attack occurred amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv to resolve their three-year conflict, a process frequently stalled due to both sides failing to meet terms.
Helping N.Korea Drone Production
Days before presenting its drone force initiative, Russia said it would assist North Korea in producing Iranian-designed Shahed suicide drones, a type of loitering munition that Moscow’s warfighters use in their autonomous strikes against Ukraine.
The move reciprocates Pyongyang’s support for Russia, providing the military with North Korean troops and resources against Ukrainian forces.
Currently, Russia can manufacture up to 2,000 Shahed drones per month. This is planned to increase to 5,000 monthly, according to reports.
