--- title: "Mandatory drone training to be introduced in Russian transport universities from 2026: large-scale militarization of education" description: "From 2026, training in drone operation will become mandatory in Russian transport universities. Experts estimate the scale of the program at 250,000 people and see this as the militarization of education. πŸ‡·πŸ‡ΊπŸšπŸŽ“" date: 2026-06-21T13:08:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/mandatory-drone-training-russian-universities-2026-militarization tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Mandatory drone training to be introduced in Russian transport universities from 2026: large-scale militarization of education ![Students and instructors studying a drone in a classroom, illustrating the introduction of mandatory drone training in Russian transport universities from 2026](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/21/rossiya-vvedet-obiazatelnoe-obuchenie-dronam-v-vuzah/rossiya-vvedet-obiazatelnoe-obuchenie-dronam-v-vuzah-1.webp) The Russian higher education system is undergoing radical changes, increasingly adapting to the needs of the military sector. According to the Center for Countering Disinformation, Russian authorities plan to introduce a mandatory basic course on unmanned systems in all transport universities across the country starting September 1, 2026. ### Scale of the new program The new educational initiative will affect 19 specialized universities and 86 of their branches located in various regions of Russia. Experts estimate that at least 150,000 students will undergo training in this field. If specialized colleges are also included in the count, the total number of participants in the program will exceed 250,000 people. ### Criticism from experts The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) believes that the skills acquired by students will be used to involve young people in military actions against Ukraine. Experts call these steps confirmation that Russian authorities are not interested in developing human capital but view education exclusively as a tool for preparing personnel resources for the army. "The state does not need qualified specialists capable of critical thinking. The Russian education system today functions exclusively as a conveyor belt, turning students into obedient personnel resources and 'cannon fodder' for the war," the CCD noted. ### Shift in priorities in universities Earlier, the center reported a reduction of tens of thousands of places in Russian universities in humanities and social science specialties. At the same time, educational benefits for participants in hostilities and their families are being expanded. According to analysts, in this way, the Kremlin is increasingly subordinating the education system to the needs of waging war.