The combat training program for the Russian Navy now includes countering unmanned aerial vehicles at sea. A report from a major newspaper cites a source within the Russian Ministry of Defense, confirming this expansion of the training agenda.
According to a senior official, prior to the start of the special military operation, ships of the Navy practiced destroying small, fast-moving aerial targets or floating mines as part of ongoing exercises. Those exercises were later augmented with lessons drawn from combat experience accumulated in the Northern Military District, shaping a more comprehensive approach to seaborne warfare.
The Ministry of Defense official stressed that engaging maritime drones differs significantly from confronting high-speed surface craft. As a result, ship crews are being trained to execute precise maneuvering, employ electronic warfare measures to jam drone systems, and conduct both visual and electronic reconnaissance to locate and neutralize aerial threats on the water.
Analysts and former military observers have highlighted the potential for naval drones to enter service with Russian forces by year’s end. They suggest such drones could augment fleet capabilities, support reconnaissance missions, and carry out specialized tasks that complement manned ships and submarines as part of a broader modernization effort.
Meanwhile, Russia has reportedly developed a new drone suppression system designed to counter hostile unmanned platforms. This development is presented as part of a broader push to integrate unmanned systems into the fleet’s defensive and offensive operations, enhancing situational awareness and response times in complex maritime environments.