**Russia to Boost Drone Forces Amid Ukraine Conflict**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the rapid development and deployment of drone forces within the military, highlighting their significant role in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Speaking at a meeting on arms development, Putin emphasized the need for Russia to keep pace with Ukraine’s efforts to develop its own domestic drone industry.
“We are currently creating unmanned systems troops as a separate branch of the military and we need to ensure their rapid and high-quality deployment and development,” Putin was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. This move comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stressed the importance of developing a domestic drone development and production industry since the outbreak of war in February 2022.
The creation of a separate drone force within the military was proposed late last year by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, with a target date set for the third quarter of 2025. Putin’s comments suggest that Russia is committed to meeting this deadline and is already making progress in developing its unmanned systems troops.
**Air Defenses and Nuclear Triad**
In addition to emphasizing the importance of drone forces, Putin also highlighted the need for air defenses, stating that they had destroyed more than 80,000 targets during the conflict. He called for a new state armaments programme to ensure the construction of a versatile air defence system capable of operating in any circumstances and efficiently striking air attack weapons.
On the opening day of the meeting, Putin also stressed the importance of paying due attention to the nuclear triad of land-based, sea-based, and aircraft-launched weapons. This is a key aspect of Russia’s military strategy, designed to maintain its deterrent capabilities and protect national interests.
**Commentary**
The move by Putin to prioritize drone forces reflects Russia’s growing recognition of their significance in modern warfare. As both sides in the conflict with Ukraine have increasingly relied on drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat missions, Russia has sought to adapt and strengthen its own capabilities.
By calling for the rapid development and deployment of drone forces, Putin is sending a clear message that Russia will not be left behind in this area. This move is likely to be watched closely by military experts and analysts worldwide, as it may signal a shift in Russian strategy towards greater emphasis on unmanned systems and asymmetric warfare tactics.
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