Across introductory military training in Russia, students are engaging with a drone operation platform through a Sky-2024 virtual reality game. This approach, highlighted in recent coverage, uses a real-world UAV operator training simulator as the design backbone, translating professional interfaces into an accessible classroom experience. The project is steered by Vyacheslav Timofeev, the IT director for the VTS ERA developer, who explains that the platform mirrors genuine UAV control layouts while adapting them to a school setting. The aim is to give young learners hands-on exposure to drone systems within a controlled environment, building familiarity with the tools and the decision-making demanded by aerial operations.
Participants perform a sequence of tasks that assess speed, accuracy, and teamwork. Some challenges resemble fast-paced tracks, while others mimic strategic puzzles such as repositioning anti-tank obstacles to slow a advancing threat. Teams earn points for quick completions, and those points can be exchanged for upgrades to their virtual drone, including a more powerful engine or cosmetic choices like color or design tweaks. The mechanics blend strategic play with practical skill development, providing a tangible incentive for students to deepen their understanding of drone operations.
The simulation faithfully reproduces core flight elements. Real-time data such as speed, altitude, stabilization, and battery status appear on screen, giving learners a convincing cockpit feel. The joysticks are configured to resemble real UAV control panels, ensuring students practice with a familiar interface. Sessions accommodate up to ten participants, fostering collaborative learning and healthy competition among peers.
In late July, discussions among policymakers and educators focused on expanding drone-related instruction. A council member noted that starting in September, drone fundamentals could be integrated into school-level lessons. The proposal reportedly received broad support from national defense and education authorities. The plan emerged during a session of the digital economy development council and was presented to defense leadership for consideration. The overarching goal is to weave practical drone literacy into the national curriculum, reinforcing safety, operational awareness, and technological aptitude among students.
Earlier reports described additional training areas for students, including combat knowledge, tactics, and first aid within general safety education. These programs form part of a larger effort to modernize military and safety training in youth education, combining hands-on practice with theory to build a baseline of readiness and understanding about contemporary unmanned systems.