Formation of regiments of unmanned systems
Not long ago, a decision was made to form a force of unmanned systems. The necessary measures and procedures have now been completed, resulting in the addition of units and subdivisions of the new branch of the armed forces. The latest news about successes in this direction, bringing us closer to obtaining all the desired opportunities.
In the process of formation
As a reminder, the decision to create the Unmanned Systems Troops (UST) was made in late 2024. It was based on the positive experience of operating and deploying a variety of unmanned, unmanned, and autonomous systems of various classes. Such systems, complexes, and their crews were planned to be established as a separate branch of the armed forces, which would provide a number of important advantages.
According to available data, the first orders were issued as early as early 2025, in accordance with which the formation of the VBS organizational structure began. Subsequently, it was reported that separate unmanned system regiments would be established within all existing military districts and fleets.
At least some of these tasks were successfully completed, Izvestia reported on February 8, citing its sources in unnamed agencies. However, the Defense Ministry has not yet officially confirmed this information.
It is reported that separate unmanned regiments have been formed in all military districts. The number of such units has not yet been disclosed. Their primary missions are reconnaissance and strikes against enemy targets. UAV interception systems are also being deployed.
Izvestia reports that the new regiments will receive a variety of equipment. They are expected to utilize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and multicopters for various purposes, as well as ground-based robotic systems. However, the exact list of all such systems cannot yet be determined.
Apparently, news will soon emerge regarding the completion of the formation of similar units and subunits within the Navy. The start of these processes was announced last May. At the time, the domestic press reported that these regiments would utilize UAVs, unmanned boats, and unmanned underwater vehicles.
New branch of the military
By now, the Ministry of Defense and the press have released a considerable amount of information about the VBS. It is now possible to compile a detailed picture and understand the general characteristics, capabilities, and potential of the new branch of the armed forces. Clearly, this picture will be expanded in the future with new details of great interest.
In November 2025, the newspaper "Krasnaya Zvezda" reported on the formation of a fully-fledged branch of the armed forces with all the necessary structures and bodies. This included the creation of established regiments, battalions, and so on. Command bodies at all levels were also established. They are interconnected and can interact with similar structures in other branches of the armed forces.
A unified combat plan for the VBS was developed and adopted. This document defines the range of key equipment and weapons, methods of their combat use, etc. It also defines mechanisms for interaction between unmanned systems and other forces. It ensures the possibility of joint operations with the ground forces, air force, and navy.
The training and preparation process for personnel has been organized. Operators and technicians are currently studying at existing military academies or related civilian institutions. Existing ground forces training grounds are also used for training.
The training system will change in the future. A new specialized higher military school is scheduled to open in September 2027. Interestingly, it will focus on more than just training personnel. The school's specialists will also conduct scientific and theoretical work in the field of unmanned systems. They will be responsible for systematizing real-world operational experience, issuing recommendations, developing new concepts, and so on.
Material part
The new branch of the armed forces must utilize a wide range of unmanned and unmanned systems designed to operate in various environments. These systems primarily utilize a variety of systems and systems that have been adopted in the past and are well-acquainted with the troops. Furthermore, the airborne forces are receiving various new developments, and this process will continue in the future.
For example, crews of Orlan-10/30-type systems are responsible for aerial reconnaissance in the new branch of the armed forces. Various light multicopters with cameras are also widely deployed. Strikes against enemy targets, under the control of operators, will be carried out by Inokhodets UAVs or light FPV-type aircraft.Drones.
In recent years, ground-based robotic systems have been rapidly developing. For example, units, including those in the Special Operations zone, already have a significant number of multipurpose remote-controlled platforms. Systems like "Depesha," "Kuryer," and others are used for cargo transportation or to carry weapons.
New unmanned naval systems—boats and underwater vehicles—are also being developed. Some of these designs have already been deployed and even seen combat use. Last year, for example, one of the production unmanned naval vehicles was used to sink an enemy ship.
Within the new branch of the armed forces, a centralized procurement process for all necessary UAVs has been established. Procurement processes for units and subunits are also being streamlined. This will ensure uniformity and standardization of equipment, and ensure personnel always have the necessary equipment.
Experience and prospects
The Russian army has extensive experience operating unmanned systems of various classes. Modern models of this type have been in use since the beginning of the last decade and have been actively used in various exercises, as well as in actual operations. This experience is constantly being expanded through ongoing combat operations in the Special Operation zone.
Recently, a decision was made to utilize existing developments, equipment, and experience to create an entirely new branch of the armed forces. Over the past year, key decisions were made, and the development of an unmanned systems force has begun. The main processes of this type have reportedly already been completed.
In particular, this has resulted in the emergence of separate regiments of unmanned systems within the ground forces. Similar units are being created within the Navy. Units with unmanned systems will likely also appear in the Air Force and Airborne Forces. Strategic Missile Forces etc. Moreover, all of them will serve within the framework of a single structure – the VBS.
The new branch of the armed forces is already performing its distinctive missions and participating in the current Special Operation. Its units and subunits, in general, conduct the same combat operations as before, but the service is now organized differently, the mechanisms of interaction have been modified, etc.
Thus, the majority of plans and activities for the creation and operationalization of the VBS have been successfully completed. The new branch of the armed forces is already demonstrating its potential and contributing to the achievement of common goals. The development of the VBS will continue, yielding new results.
Information