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Russian Schoolchildren Are Learning to Fight the Next Drone War
As part of a decree issued by Putin in 2023, Russian schoolchildren are now learning to build and fly drones, with the primary objective being to prepare them for potential future conflicts. This nationwide effort is unprecedented in other countries, with Russia’s children set to leave school equipped with the skills to operate drones.
The initiative has sparked corporate involvement, with drone companies eager to capitalize on this new market opportunity. In a recent move, Putin mentioned “proposals by our companies,” followed shortly by Geoscan publishing the first approved school drone textbook. This collaboration will undoubtedly benefit drone manufacturers in Russia who see this as an chance to break into a new sector and generate substantial profits.
The necessity for teachers to be trained on drone technology before they can instruct students is, however, a significant issue that has not been fully addressed. In essence, it’s not something you can simply learn from a book; teachers require hands-on experience with drones themselves. This echoes the situation in Russia when the government attempted to educate students about AI (Artificial Intelligence). It was discovered that educators needed to be knowledgeable about AI before they could effectively teach the topic.
To address this challenge, Russian drone manufacturers may need to provide teacher training programs or collaborate with schools to ensure teachers have the necessary expertise. This will not only assist in educating students but also enhance teacher engagement and morale.
The Piranya-5 mini-drone has been specifically designed for both military use and training purposes, demonstrating the significance of this program. The drone boasts an impressive top speed of over 100 mph and is capable of carrying a 2-pound warhead with a maximum range of up to two miles. Although it may not be able to carry as much payload or travel as far as its larger counterparts, the ability to place a grenade through a window from a mile away still presents significant military potential.
It’s interesting to note that some international countries are starting to catch on and promote drone-based activities among young people. In contrast, Russia has taken this initiative nationwide, with a focus on educating teenagers about both piloting drones and using them as part of combat missions.
It is worth mentioning that DJI, a world-renowned drone manufacturer, recently launched the Neo, a mini-drone capable of advanced features like automatic subject tracking, all at an affordable price point of under $200.
Source: www.forbes.com
