Russia has officially launched a textbook focused on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for students in grades 10 and 11. This educational resource is intended for use not only in Russian schools but also in educational institutions located in temporarily occupied territories.
The curriculum outlined in the textbook will guide high school students through the entire process of UAV development, from design to testing. It includes components such as construction, programming, 3D modeling, computer vision applications, and elements of artificial intelligence.
Additionally, specific sections of the textbook address the registration of UAVs and their interaction with regulatory authorities.
This initiative builds on a previous program introduced in 2024, which provided a similar educational resource for students in grades 8 and 9, focusing on technology classes. This sequential approach aims to establish a comprehensive training system for students, preparing them to work with UAVs from middle school through high school.
Russian officials assert that this initiative is aimed at career orientation and the development of technical skills among adolescents. However, given the ongoing large-scale conflict and the active use of drones in military operations, the integration of such subjects into the school curriculum is viewed by some as a form of militarization of education.
Critics argue that this program effectively creates a workforce for the UAV sector and begins military preparation at an early age.
Russia's introduction of a drone technology curriculum for high school students reflects a broader strategy to enhance technical skills while also raising concerns about militarization in education. This initiative follows a similar program for younger students and aims to prepare a skilled workforce for the UAV industry amidst ongoing military conflicts.