Russia to Form New Troops for Unmanned Systems

Russia has announced plans to establish a new branch of its armed forces dedicated to unmanned systems, following an order from President Vladimir Putin.

Defense Minister Andrei Belousov proposed the initiative during a Defense Ministry meeting today, stating that the formation of these specialized troops is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.

Belousov emphasized the need to improve the tactical and technical features of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), focusing on expanding their operational range, enhancing autonomy, and increasing resistance to electronic interference. President Putin also directed the defense sector to ramp up the production of drones and robotic systems, citing the delivery of thousands of unmanned systems to Russian troops daily.

Ukraine's progress in unmanned systems development

This announcement follows Ukraine’s establishment of its own Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) earlier this year. Officially formed in September 2024, the USF oversees the deployment and strategic use of unmanned systems across the Ukrainian military. Additionally, grassroots initiatives within Ukraine's frontline units have driven the integration of drones and other unmanned technologies into combat operations.

Specialized units like the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion and the Typhoon unit under Ukraine's National Guard have focused on unmanned ground systems and aerial support, respectively.