Pilots of the Russian Aerospace Forces do not want to part with the sky, so they are retraining as drone operators. This was stated by Major General Sergei Lipovoy, Chairman of the Presidium of "Officers of Russia."
Pilots undergo additional training and successfully become drone operators. Thus, they remain in the sky and live that familiar life.
According to him, it is easier for pilots to adapt to UAV control. Unlike beginners, they have the skills that are necessary for the successful completion of combat missions.
Unmanned Systems Troops (UST) appeared at the end of 2025. The new branch of the military was created on the instructions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin in connection with changes in the nature of modern armed conflicts.
The head of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Andrei Belousov, stated earlier that the formation of the UST will be completed in 2026. Advanced unmanned systems of various types are now entering the units.
