February 14, 2024

Drones in the Classroom, in the Name of the Motherland


Drones in the Classroom, in the Name of the Motherland
Soon, the average Russian school child will be a drones expert.  U.S. Air Force, Public Domain

Along with their math and history classes, Russian students will soon have classes on operating drones, or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for military and industrial purposes.

This new curriculum was announced by Deputy Minister of Education Tatiana Vasilyeva to the State Duma on February 2. "UAV control is moving from a hobby into an industrially in-demand area," Vasilyeva said. "Controlling a UAV is associated with all the skills necessary to prepare for military service and defense of the Motherland."

In 2023, Russian schools spent R1.2 billion ($13.2 million) on the purchase of drones in cities that included St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, and Yakutsk. The curriculum development is the latest addition of state-sanctioned "life-safety" lessons: Last year, courses in modern arms combat and on the role of the Russian army were established and have been taught using mock weapons and grenades. 

It is all part of a greater effort by the Kremlin to increase its support among youth

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