Two UAV piloting programs have been launched for young people in Crimea

<span><span><span><span><span><span>In annexed Crimea, Russian authorities have launched two educational projects to train young people to operate drones. Through simulator training, intensive courses, and competitions, the occupiers are building a comprehensive recruitment system to replenish the Russian army.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>This was reported by Krym.Realii.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

As part of the “Crimean Drone League” project, teams were formed from eight schools in Simferopol and the surrounding area. Students train on computer simulators and compete in drone piloting speed. A similar intensive course, “Unmanned Technologies,” was completed in one week by 192 students in grades 7–11.

Another initiative—the “UAV Operator Talent Pool”—was created on the orders of the head of the occupying authorities, Sergey Aksyonov, and is aimed at college and university students. The organizers state that more than 210 students from 19 institutions in Simferopol, Kerch, Yalta, Yevpatoria, Sevastopol, and other cities have already completed the week-long training courses.

Earlier in occupied Crimea, the Russians enlisted teenagers as young as 14 to compete in drone-piloting contests as part of the so-called “Crimean Drone League.” The event took place at the Simferopol Technical College of Transport and Infrastructure. 

Also in occupied Crimea, authorities are officially requesting lists of students slated for expulsion, as well asapplicants who failed this year’s entrance exams. They likely plan to use these groups of young people to recruit them into contract service in the Russian army.

Юлія Калабайда