In 500 Russian schools children are taught to manage drones – British intelligence

Vlad Cherevko I have been interested in all kinds of electronics and technologies since 2004. I like to play computer games, and I understand the work of different gadgets. I regularly monitor the news of the technology in the world and write materials about it.

The UK Ministry of Defense reported that the Russian authorities are actively implementing the training of children and young people in the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within the educational system. According to intelligence, such classes are already held in more than 500 schools and 30 colleges of Russia, where specialized centers of practical training have been created.

More than 2.5 thousand teachers were trained to implement the program. These measures are part of the initiative declared by the Minister of Education and Science of Russia Valery Falkov in May 2024. According to the plan, by 2030 the country intends to prepare one million UAV management professionals.

On June 12, 2025, Russian President Putin announced the creation of a separate unit of unmanned forces within the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. British intelligence regards this as a confirmation of the growing role of drones in the Russian-Ukrainian war and Russia’s desire to expand its technical capabilities in this area.

British experts also point to the systematic inclusion of military technologies in educational processes, which, in their opinion, indicates a long -term strategy for young people in Russia.