Federation Council says Russian students will learn basics of combat drone use in school

Russian schools will study the basics of combat drone use as part of a new basic military training course starting September 1, Senator Artem Sheikin, deputy chairman of the Council for the Development of the Digital Economy of the Federation Council, told RIA Novosti.

According to Sheikin, the proposal “was worked out during the work of the the Council for the Development of the Digital Economy of the Federation Council and sent to the Russian defense minister.” “The proposal was considered and supported, including by the Ministry of Education,” he claims.

The Russian Defense Ministry’s response, which the senator provided to RIA Novosti, says the program provides for “studying the types, purposes, tactical and technical characteristics, and general devices, as well as conducting terrain reconnaissance and ways to counter enemy UAVs.”

“The program has been approved by the Ministry of Education and is planned to be implemented in educational organizations and “Avangard” youth training centers for military-patriotic education, starting in September of this year,” the document says.

As has been referenced, this would be part of the course “Fundamentals of Life Safety,” which is set to begin in Russian schools on September 1, 2023. The course is designed to teach the basics of military training, and it has been reported that students in grades 10-11 will learn the basics of firing a Kalashnikov rifle, the principles of hand grenades, and first aid in combat.