Russia establishes integrated training system to strengthen drone capabilities

Moscow (ANTARA) - Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said at a ministry board meeting on Friday that the Russian Defence Ministry has created an integrated training system for drone specialists.

Krivoruchko said more than 8,000 personnel completed training in the first half of this year.

He added that the training centres now provide instruction not only for individual specialists but also for entire units, with combat coordination carried out using standardised equipment.

According to Krivoruchko, the number of drones delivered to Russian forces in the first six months of 2026 more than doubled compared with the same period in 2025 — a surge he claimed would ensure their superiority over Ukrainian forces.

Russia is actively expanding its domestic drone production as well as its operational capabilities amid the conflict with Ukraine.

The importance of further modernising the country’s drone warfare capabilities has been repeatedly emphasised by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Andrei Belousov at various official meetings.