In the first half of 2026, more than 8,000 specialists completed training for the troops of unmanned systems. This was stated by Deputy Defense Minister Aleksey Krivoruchko.
According to calculations by Conflict Intelligence Team, the approved schedule called for about 34,400 people to be trained by that point. Based on these figures, the ministry has fulfilled only about one quarter of the planned target.
Annual target
By the end of 2026, the Defense Ministry had expected to recruit 78,800 people into the unmanned systems forces. The bulk of that intake — 58,000 people — was supposed to come from students, graduates of DOSAAF courses, former personnel of aviation units, and women with relevant training.
Why recruitment is lagging
CIT links the shortfall both to the broader slowdown in recruitment into the Russian army and to unsuccessful efforts to enlist students. In the analysts’ view, many students refuse to sign contracts because they fear being transferred to assault units and ending up in what is effectively open-ended service.
Pro-war bloggers had also previously reported recruitment problems. According to them, even the involvement of educational institutions and regional authorities did not help attract a sufficient number of suitable candidates.
How the shortfall is being covered
To make up for the deficit, the Defense Ministry is transferring drone operators from existing ground forces units into the new branch. Analysts say this step partly compensates for the personnel shortage, but at the same time weakens other parts of the Russian army.