Moscow: Russia announced the formation of an unmanned systems force dedicated to drone warfare, marking the creation of a new branch within its military. Sergey Ishtuganov, the deputy head of the newly established force, disclosed this development during an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ishtuganov confirmed that the structure of the new military branch has been finalized, along with the appointment of its head, although he withheld further specifics. He elaborated that military administration units, operational regiments, and other units have been organized. Ishtuganov emphasized that the combat operations of these unmanned systems units are executed according to a unified strategy and in coordination with other troop groups. Currently, there is an ongoing expansion of existing units and the formation of new ones.

Additionally, Ishtuganov highlighted that specialists are undergoing training at various institutions, including those affiliated with the Defense Ministry and military training centers linked to civilian universities. Plans are underway to establish a higher military educational institution specifically for the Unmanned Systems Forces.

In June, President Vladimir Putin indicated during a meeting in Moscow that the country was progressing towards establishing an unmanned systems force as an independent military branch. The significance of drones has been underscored in the Ukraine conflict, which persists despite efforts by US President Donald Trump to bring it to an end. Notably, Ukraine became the first nation to create a dedicated Unmanned Systems Forces branch in June 2024.