Title: Preparing the Next Generation for Drone Wars: Russian Schoolchildren's Tactical Training
Russian students are now learning to construct and operate drones, following a decree issued by Putin in 2023. As stated in state media TASS, Putin expressed his full support for the initiative. While the drone industry's importance to Russia is noteworthy, an expert, Samuel Bendett, believes the military aspect is the most significant.
Schools have revamped their curricula, incorporating drone lessons. Unfortunately, the teacher shortage and low wages have resulted in dubious teaching quality. An assessment by the UK's Ministry of Defense questioned the curriculum's effectiveness, suggesting it was more about instilling a sense of patriotism than enhancing genuine capability.
Bendett pointed out that Putin's objective was twofold: to familiarize the next generation with drone technology and ensure a pipeline of qualified drone personnel for the military. Teachers, having little experience with drone technology, need training before they can educate students. This initiative reminds Bendett of Russia's efforts to educate children on AI, which had mixed results.
Russia isn't alone in promoting drone activities for young people. The British Army organized FPV drone racing events, and the U.S. Air Force sponsors FPV racing events. However, Russian children could potentially surpass others by graduating as fully-trained drone operators.
In response to Putin's decree, drone companies like Geoscan have introduced school drone textbooks. A variety of educational drone models are available in Russia. One notable example is the Piranya-5 mini-drone, designed for training and combat use.
Although the Piranya-5 is less powerful than its combat-ready counterparts, it can still be useful in combat. With a price tag that has yet to be disclosed, the Piranya-5 is comparable to DJI's Neo drone, which retails under $200.
Training aircraft are too vulnerable for high-intensity war, but training drones could still be useful. Russia aims to train over a million drone specialists by 2030, significantly boosting its military capabilities in surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes.
Russia's commitment to drone education raises ethical concerns about the use of autonomous weapons in warfare. While technology advancements enhance operational efficiency and reduce human risk, they also necessitate careful consideration of the potential for unintended consequences and civilian casualties.
Russian schools are now integrating drone lessons into their curriculum, following Putin's decree, as seen in Geoscan's introduction of drone textbooks for students. To effectively teach drone operation, Russian teachers require drone training themselves, much like the approach Russia took in educating children about AI.
