Estonian Intelligence: Russia is Creating a Massive Drone Army

“According to Estonian intelligence, the Russian government is forming drone units in all military forces and military units to perform combat and support tasks, the portal of public broadcaster ERR reported on Tuesday.

 

According to the Estonian intelligence service, Russia is establishing unmanned systems units in all services and military units according to the principle of a “mass army”, and this move is almost certainly related to the lessons of the war in Ukraine, which showed the growing military importance of unmanned platforms and their potential to shape the operational environment.

 

It is planned that about 190 unmanned systems battalions will be created as part of the Russian military reform, the majority of which will consist of unmanned aircraft units operating in the ground forces, air force and marines.

 

The Russian Navy is developing attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in all its flotillas and the Caspian Flotilla.

 

A regiment of unmanned anti-ship water vehicles has been formed in the Russian Baltic Fleet, as well as a drone regiment directly subordinate to the headquarters of the Leningrad Military District. Estonian intelligence has indicated that the aforementioned units of the units are currently being manned, armed and equipped with the necessary equipment.

 

According to the Estonians, in the coming years the Baltic Fleet will also likely form a drone regiment, and drone battalions will be established in the divisions of the 6th Combined Arms Army. These units are intended to strengthen Russia's reconnaissance, anti-ship aviation, indirect fire and precision munitions capabilities.

 

Estonian intelligence believes that the pace of establishing Russian drone units will depend on the duration and outcome of the conflict in Ukraine, but drones are almost certainly a priority for Russia's armaments.”