Russian Schools Teach Students to Destroy German Leopard Tanks With Drones

In 2024, Russian schools allocated over half a billion rubles (over $4.8 million) to training programs in drone piloting and construction, The Moscow Times reported on January 17, citing a report by Doxa based on government procurement data.

According to the outlet, educational institutions in 39 Russian regions carried out such procurements. The largest expenditures were recorded in Saratov and Irkutsk regions, and Primorsky Krai.

The report noted that schools purchased not only drones but also 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, computers, and various simulators designed to replicate drone flights with combat missions, including the ability to drop explosives.

“For example, the St. Petersburg children’s ‘Center for Physical Education and Health’ demanded that the virtual training program include a scenario for destroying German Leopard 1A5 tanks and French CAESAR howitzers,” The Moscow Times wrote.

In 2023, the basics of combat drone operations were incorporated into initial military training lessons taught in high school classes. Previously Putin demanded the inclusion of drone-related courses in school education programs, the agency added.

“This so-called early career guidance will ultimately benefit the country,” Putin said.

The outlet added that by 2030, Russia plans to train over a million specialists in drone operation and development as part of the federal project ‘Advanced Technologies for Unmanned Aerial Systems.’

Russian schools and kindergartens have begun pressuring children to record video messages for soldiers fighting in Ukraine and to collect supplies for the frontlines.