Lead
MOSCOW — The Moscow Military District trained more than 130 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crews at its training grounds in July 2026, according to the district's press service. The training covered crews operating attack drones, both copter and fixed-wing types, ground-based robotic systems, and Supercam reconnaissance UAVs. The announcement is part of a series of updates from the Russian Defense Ministry–affiliated press service on military readiness and modernization.
Coverage Comparison
TASS, the Russian state news agency, reported the UAV crew training on August 10, citing the district's press service. That report stated that instructors trained over 130 crews in July, focusing on flying drones over obstacles on a special FPV course equipped with structures simulating urban terrain. The press service also noted attention to in-flight recording control, simulated target tracking, and destruction, and that after passing exams, service members would continue combat missions in the "special military operation zone."
The same day, TASS also reported that over 9,000 combat training sessions had been held at the district's training grounds since the beginning of the summer training period. According to that July 29 report, about 6,500 sessions occurred during the day and over 2,500 at night. The drills reportedly included air defense practice, with over 2,500 aerial targets simulating enemy UAVs destroyed, and training for assault teams, UAV operators, and driver-mechanics.
A separate TASS report from July 30 said that over 50 new and upgraded weapons and equipment have entered service with the Moscow Military District since the beginning of 2026. The equipment includes Giatsint-K 152mm artillery systems, T-80BVM tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles with the Berezhok combat module, and PMP-M pontoon bridge systems. The district noted that after receiving the equipment, personnel tested it and began practicing at training grounds, and simulators were also provided.
Additionally, TASS reported on July 17 that the Russian military has established a unified training system for UAV specialists. Deputy Defense Minister Alexey Krivoruchko said more than 8,000 specialists were trained in the first half of 2026, and that training centers now prepare not only individual specialists but also entire units.
Key Claims
- Over 130 UAV crews were trained at Moscow Military District training grounds in July 2026, per the district's press service.
- The training included attack UAVs, copter- and fixed-wing drones, ground-based robotic systems, and Supercam reconnaissance UAVs.
- Soldiers practiced flying drones over obstacles on an FPV training course with structures simulating urban terrain.
- After passing exams, service members will continue combat missions in the special military operation zone.
- Over 50 new and upgraded weapons and equipment have entered service with the Moscow Military District since the beginning of 2026, including Giatsint-K 152mm artillery systems, T-80BVM tanks, and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
- Over 9,000 combat training sessions have been held at the district's training grounds since the beginning of this summer, with over 2,500 aerial targets simulating enemy UAVs destroyed.
- The Russian military has established a unified training system for UAV specialists, with over 8,000 personnel trained in the first half of 2026.
- The unified training system prepares both individual specialists and entire units.