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Russia Expands UAV Programs Nationwide With New Kindergarten Drone Hubs
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
The Russian city of Perm has announced plans to open drone training hubs within selected kindergartens. The initiative aims to introduce children to the basics of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operation through interactive lessons and guided practice using educational drones.
Starting later this year, six kindergartens—Constructor of Success, Eureka, IT‑World, Galaxy, Art‑Grad, and Kindergarten No. 67—will set up dedicated learning zones. Coordinated by the “Vzlyot” kindergarten team, these spaces will help preschoolers explore basic drone control, develop digital skills, and foster early engineering thinking.
This program responds to a directive issued by Russian leader Vladimir Putin in June 2025, calling for expanded youth participation in UAV activities. The directive aims for children as young as 7 to be capable of competing in drone racing by 2026, lowering the previous age threshold of 10.
Perm is the first city in Russia to introduce this type of education at the preschool level. On June 7, 2025, kindergartens in the city successfully hosted the country’s first-ever drone operation competition for preschool-aged children.
As part of Russia’s broader UAV education strategy, it is planned that over 500 schools and more than 30 training centers nationwide will introduce programs covering drone design, piloting, simulator use, and technical maintenance. Additionally, more than 2,500 instructors are scheduled to complete specialized training. The kindergarten hubs will complement this nationwide effort.
In May 2025, Russia also introduced its first state-approved school textbook on drone operations for grades 8 and 9, featuring modules on flight safety, UAV systems, and hands-on control. The federal government has committed approximately $5 million for drone kits, 3D printers, and other educational tools.
Previously, it was reported that Russia expanded school history hours by 50%, replacing elements of the “Western” curriculum with a state-approved version aimed at reinforcing official narratives and patriotic education.
