Drones will be designated as a separate branch of the armed forces

Russia's New Drone Army is Official

Unmanned forces will become a separate branch of the armed forces, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced at a meeting to review the main parameters of the draft state armament program for 2027-2036.

“We are currently creating unmanned systems forces as a separate branch of the military, and we must ensure their rapid and high-quality deployment and development. We know how the enemy operates. But overall, I don’t think we are lagging behind in any way. Moreover, I believe that we have accumulated sufficient experience to create this branch of the military. We are talking about training personnel, manufacturing and supplying modern equipment capable of enhancing the combat capabilities of our troops,” the president said.

At the meeting, Putin said that at the moment, drone operators are responsible for up to 50% of the destroyed and damaged equipment and facilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The president also noted that drones are actively used for reconnaissance, counter-battery and electronic warfare, and for mining and demining the terrain.

Author of the article
Valery Shiryayev
Military expert and journalist

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  1. Austyn

    It’s interesting to see how unmanned systems are becoming a key part of military strategy. Creating a separate branch focused on this technology shows a clear shift toward modernizing armed forces. The emphasis on training and equipment development highlights how important drones have become in both offensive and defensive operations.

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  2. Ivonne

    Looks like the future of warfare is going to be controlled by machines and keyboards rather than boots on the ground 🤖💥. If drones are already responsible for half the damage caused in conflict zones, how long before human soldiers become more like tech support than actual fighters? This shift raises some serious questions about accountability and the ethics of remote-controlled combat. Are we ready to face a battlefield run by AI and operators who never see the frontline?

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  3. Nahomy

    Is creating a whole new branch for unmanned forces really the future of warfare or just a flashy move to keep up appearances? 🤔 Drones might be powerful, but relying on technology alone can backfire big time. Wonder how this will really change the dynamics on the ground and if it’s just hype or a game-changer. 💥

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  4. Samar

    Creating a dedicated unmanned forces branch shows how important drone technology has become in modern warfare. It will be interesting to see how this development shapes military strategies and capabilities in the near future.

    Reply
  5. Deven

    It’s fascinating to see how technology is reshaping modern warfare! 🚀 The creation of unmanned forces as a separate branch shows how seriously this field is being taken. Drones already playing such a huge role on the battlefield is both impressive and a bit unsettling at the same time. 🤖 The future of military strategies will definitely rely heavily on innovation and smart use of these advanced systems. Can’t help but wonder how this will influence global security and peace efforts going forward! 🌍

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  6. Kashmir

    {comment:As a regular reader I cant shake the sense that turning drones into a separate branch is more about a prestige project than real defense. If unmanned forces grow will commanders take more risky bets knowing they can press a button thousands of miles away while real soldiers stay out of the line of fire? Drones may dominate reconnaissance and counter battery work but the human cost shifts elsewhere and the ethics get murkier as the tech gets flashier. The claim that 50% of destroyed and damaged equipment comes from drone crews sounds impressive but it also hides who pays the price and who benefits from this arms race. If this is about deterrence fine but the numbers should come with transparency and independent audits. The future feels louder and colder with more machines making life or death calls. 🔥🤖💥}

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  7. Aleeah

    {comment:As a woman who follows defense topics, I find the plan to establish unmanned forces as a separate branch both timely and significant, signaling a shift in how future battles will be fought. The claim that drone operators account for up to 50 percent of destroyed or damaged equipment highlights how critical remote and autonomous capabilities have become for maintaining battlefield tempo. I am curious about how training, logistics, and industrial capacity will be scaled to support this new branch, and how safeguards will be built in to prevent escalation and ensure compliance with the laws of armed conflict. Drones being used for reconnaissance, counter-battery, electronic warfare, and mining operations also raises questions about interoperability with traditional forces and resilience against cyber threats. Overall the move seems to acknowledge a new normal in warfare where precision and timing of unmanned systems will shape strategic outcomes 🤖}

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  8. Rina

    This is a significant and necessary step in modern warfare. Drone technology is clearly reshaping the battlefield. The 50% effectiveness stat is staggering! 💥🤖⚔️

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  9. Edyn

    Unmanned forces as a new military branch mark a futuristic leap 🚀 Drones shaping battlefields with precision 🎯 and strategy spark a new era of warfare 🤖⚔️ truly a game changer.

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