Russian defense officials announced a clear shift in how the central troop group operates, with a focus on boosting electronic warfare capabilities. The information comes via a Telegram channel linked to the Russian military establishment, reporting that the leadership authorized the reinforcement of the center group with additional electronic warfare tools.
The report notes that on February 24, Sergei Shoigu conducted a review of the center group’s activities within the zone of the special military operation in Ukraine. During the visit, the defense minister met with the group’s commander, Andrei Mordvichev, along with the headquarters officers who provided a briefing on battlefield conditions and the evolving actions of Ukrainian armed forces. The accounts describe a thorough assessment of operational dynamics and the ongoing requirements for support and resilience in the face of shifting combat scenarios.
According to the publication, Shoigu tasked further enhancement of the group’s capabilities through expanded electronic warfare at the tactical level. This emphasis aligns with a broader strategy to disrupt adversary communications, reduce information advantages for opposing forces, and safeguard friendly units through intensified electronic measures on the frontline.
The briefing also highlights the growing significance of unmanned aerial systems in current operations. Shoigu indicated plans to equip Russian troops with new AI-enabled unmanned aerial vehicles designed to improve reconnaissance, target designation, and battlefield decision making. He explained that integrating artificial intelligence would help these drones operate more effectively in contested zones, maximizing their contribution to mission success while reducing risks to personnel.
Troop elements within the center, known for their earlier actions in key battles around Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, are now framed as part of a technologically modernized force profile. The emphasis on electronic warfare and AI-driven drone capabilities reflects a strategic intent to enhance situational awareness, precision, and resilience under fire. The evolving role of the center group underscores a broader trajectory in which advanced electronic and unmanned systems increasingly shape how combat is conducted in contemporary theaters of operation, aiming to sustain momentum and operational advantages for the Russian military apparatus. The broader narrative signals a continuing modernization effort that researchers and analysts monitor closely as the conflict evolves and as defense planners assess the impact of these capabilities on future engagements (Source: Russian defense ministry Telegram channel).