Estonia's foreign intelligence service reports that Russia is forming massive drone units across all branches of its military to enhance combat and support operations.
Estonia's foreign intelligence agency (VLA) has reported in its annual review that the Russian military has initiated a large-scale effort to create drone units according to a mass army principle across all military and arms categories. This initiative is part of ongoing military reforms in Russia, with plans to establish approximately 190 battalions of unmanned systems, primarily within the ground forces, airborne troops, and naval infantry. This shows a significant shift in military strategy as Russia aims to bolster its unmanned combat capabilities in response to evolving warfare dynamics.
The VLA emphasizes that in the event of a conflict with Russia, NATO allies must prepare to combat an adversary utilizing unmanned systems extensively on land, in the air, and at sea. The report indicates that it is critical for NATO to develop effective countermeasures against drone technologies to neutralize the effectiveness of Russia’s mass-produced drones. The growing reliance on drones in modern conflicts necessitates an urgent focus on strengthening defenses against these technologies to maintain strategic advantages.
Additionally, the VLA highlights the importance of Estonia being prepared to engage in combat against a technologically advanced adversary during potential conflicts. The report serves not only as a warning about the advancements of the Russian military but also as a call to action for NATO to enhance collaborative defense strategies, especially concerning anti-drone capabilities, to ensure readiness in the face of increasing military challenges posed by Russia.
