In the Russian commercial drone market, there is a growing push to embed drone theory and hands-on training into the national school curriculum. This initiative is being explored as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s aviation sector and build a steady talent pipeline. The discussion has been reported by Vedomosti, highlighting a proposal that aims to align education with the needs of an evolving unmanned aviation landscape.
The suggestion originates from a formal letter sent by the Aeronext Association to the Ministry of Transport. The document outlines a plan to refine regulatory frameworks in the Russian Federation and to reduce administrative hurdles that currently constrain the deployment and growth of unmanned aircraft systems. By addressing legal barriers, the association argues, the domestic drone ecosystem could accelerate from research and development into widespread, practical application across industries.
The authors contend that incorporating drone-focused courses into school curricula would help secure a robust supply of qualified personnel for the aviation sector, ensuring Russia maintains competitive expertise as unmanned technologies advance. The idea envisions a seamless integration of drone topics with existing subjects, creating a pathway from early education to specialized training in aviation disciplines.
Gleb Babintsev, a leading figure at Aeronekstv, indicated in a public broadcast that drones could be introduced within the Technology module of school studies. He noted, however, that students would require a set of supportive modules designed to build foundational aviation knowledge and to translate classroom concepts into practical competencies, including hands-on operation and safety practices.
Within the proposed framework, Babintsev suggested that students would also explore the types of drone structures, as well as the software tools used to process data collected from unmanned aircraft. This broader exposure would not only teach how drones work but also cultivate an understanding of data analysis, sensor integration, and real-time decision making essential to modern aviation operations.
Earlier discussions in the State Duma, led by Deputy Ivan Sukharev, considered presenting a comprehensive plan to Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. The proposal calls for including the fundamentals of programming, control, and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles within the school informatics curriculum, signaling a shift toward equipping students with practical digital skills aligned with national innovation goals.