A mandatory module on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) will be introduced in 19 Russian transport universities starting September 1, 2026. The program was amended following instructions from the head of the Russian Ministry of Transport, Andrey Nikitin.
According to Nikitin, personnel training is one of the ministry's main priorities. Currently, new educational programs in areas such as intelligent transport systems, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI) are already being developed at the Russian University of Transport (RUT, Moscow). These will be gradually implemented in industry universities, the minister specified.
On January 1, 2024, Russia launched the national project "Unmanned Aerial Systems" (UAS) for the period until 2030–2035. As part of its implementation, major technical universities in the country began training drone operators, technical personnel, and drone designers.
At the same time, student laboratories began developing various types of civilian UAVs. The authorities also set the goal of achieving technological independence in the field of UAS.