(MENAFN) Russia announced on Wednesday the formation of a dedicated unmanned systems force, marking the establishment of a new branch in its armed forces focused on drone operations.

“The Unmanned Systems Troops have been established in the Russian Armed Forces,” Sergey Ishtuganov, deputy head of the new force, told Komsomolskaya Pravda.

Ishtuganov confirmed that the branch’s structure has been finalized and that a commander has been appointed, though he did not provide further specifics.

He said that military administration units, operational regiments, and additional formations have already been organized.

“The combat operations of the unmanned systems units are conducted according to a unified plan and in coordination with other units of the troop groups,” Ishtuganov said. He added that expansion of existing units and the creation of new ones is continuing.

The deputy head also outlined ongoing training efforts, noting that specialists are being educated at multiple institutions, including Defense Ministry academies and military programs at civilian universities.

“But work is already underway to create a higher military educational institution for the Unmanned Systems Forces,” he added.

In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced at a Moscow meeting that Russia was working toward establishing an unmanned systems force as a distinct branch of its military.

Drones have emerged as a central element in the ongoing war in Ukraine, which continues despite efforts by US President Donald Trump to bring about a resolution.

Ukraine, meanwhile, created its own Unmanned Systems Forces in June 2024, becoming the first country to form a dedicated military branch for drone operations.

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