Russia Expands UAV Troops Recruitment, Adds FPV Simulator Tests at Contract Centers

Overview

• The Defense Ministry said recruitment centers nationwide are screening candidates for the Unmanned Systems branch with FPV drone simulators available for skills testing.
• Open roles include UAV operators, engineers and technicians within dedicated units of the new branch.
• Selection favors strong analytical ability, a stable vestibular system, fine motor skills and computer proficiency, with priority for veterans from aviation, special forces or reconnaissance and for civilian drone, aeromodelling, IT, electronics or radio specialists.
• Instructors conduct preliminary assessments at the centers and, once a contract is signed, send recruits to military training facilities for specialized courses.
• Contracts start at one year with service restricted to Unmanned Systems units, mandatory training on multiple drone types, payments for confirmed target destruction and guaranteed separation at the end of term for those not renewing.