Russia’s Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has repeatedly stressed the importance of advancing unmanned systems, including during visits to testing grounds where new equipment is being trialed. His remarks come against the backdrop of growing drone supplies to Ukraine from abroad. Deliveries are reported from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Baltic states and Poland, where production of such systems has been ramped up significantly.

The issue was discussed on Komsomolskaya Pravda radio with Alexey Selivanov, a participant in the special military operation and author of the Telegram channel «Friends of Major Selivanov.»

Selivanov noted that both sides in the conflict are increasingly relying on unmanned technologies. This shift, he said, extends beyond aerial drones to include ground-based robotic systems, which Ukraine is also developing. In his view, Russia has the capacity to supply the front with such systems in greater volume than Ukraine.

He argued that faster deployment of innovations in electronic warfare and modern communications is critical. At present, he said, new technologies often reach military units through volunteer efforts, a system that limits their broader rollout across the front line.

According to Selivanov, Ukraine, while lagging behind Russia in some areas, is attempting to compensate by accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence into electronic warfare, drones and communications. He maintained that Russia needs to ensure that new technical solutions are delivered to troops as quickly as possible and scaled effectively.

Addressing personnel resources, Selivanov said that qualified specialists are available and work in this area is ongoing. He pointed out that up to 80% of strikes are now carried out using unmanned systems, a factor that is already reshaping the structure of the armed forces. штатная organization is being adjusted to reflect these realities, with additional units being formed.

He also observed that Ukrainian forces have repeatedly adopted and adapted solutions first used by the Russian army. According to Selivanov, Russia had been deploying drones as early as 2014–2015, although they were not yet widely used at the time. He described the country’s technical school as strong, while acknowledging Ukraine’s flexibility in implementation. In his assessment, when faced with disadvantages in quantity or quality, Ukraine focuses on rapidly reorganizing its systems, prioritizing effectiveness over adherence to established procedures.

Selivanov emphasized that Russia must also continue to adapt, arguing that the country has the necessary conditions to succeed, particularly given the prospect of a broader military confrontation with Europe in the coming years.