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Schoolchildren in Russia are to be taught how to assemble and operate drones in classes in basic homeland security and defence, state news agency RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday.

Russia’s Cabinet of Ministers approved training aids for schoolchildren including mock-up weapons, first aid kits, tents, night vision goggles and other military equipment, Mel.fm, a radio station which focuses on educational matters, said on Wednesday.

The teaching materials are now to include drone piloting systems and drone construction kits. Schools had previously purchased drone flight simulators, though those were only used in special classes and to instruct schoolchildren aged 16 and 17 in basic military training, Mel.fm continued.

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In July 2025, the Russian exiled independent media outlet The Insider reported that hundreds of thousands of Russian schoolkids are building drones that kill Ukrainians:

Sixteen-year-old Vladislav builds UAVs that the Russian military uses for testing electronic warfare systems. Sasha, 13, teaches soldiers how to pilot drones and develops equipment for troops at the frontline. Meanwhile, Maksim, 17, has received a job offer from a lab “servicing the 'special military operation.'” This isn’t an episode of Black Mirror, but a real, state-sponsored scheme that harnesses the minds of Russia’s brightest children to attack Ukrainian cities. An investigation by The Insider reveals a sprawling network of government-backed organizations that has created a sophisticated pipeline of computer games, clubs, and competitions designed to turn hundreds of thousands of talented school students into military engineers.