Russia Creates a New Drone Branch as Putin Announces Top Military Appointments

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a reshuffle of senior military leadership, including the creation of a new branch dedicated to drone and unmanned systems, as Russia continues to adapt its armed forces to the changing nature of modern warfare.

Speaking during a meeting with senior military officials, Putin said Denis Lyamin, who previously commanded Russia’s Center Group of Forces operating in Ukraine, has been appointed to lead the country’s newly established Drone and Unmanned Systems Force.

“We have established a new branch of the armed forces, the Drone and Unmanned Systems Force. The goal is to appoint someone with extensive experience in this field,” Putin said.

The new force is expected to oversee the development, deployment and coordination of Russia’s expanding fleet of military drones and other unmanned technologies, which have become increasingly important on the battlefield since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Putin also appointed Valery Solodchuk to head a newly created integrated command responsible for coordinating military units and institutions that provide logistical, technical and operational support to Russian troops fighting on the front lines.

The leadership changes come as both Russia and Ukraine continue to rely heavily on drones for reconnaissance, long-range strikes and battlefield surveillance, making unmanned systems one of the defining technologies of the conflict.

The establishment of a dedicated drone branch reflects Moscow’s recognition that unmanned warfare has become a permanent feature of modern military operations. Russia has significantly increased its production and use of drones throughout the conflict, while also investing in counter-drone capabilities and electronic warfare systems.