Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov met with military correspondents, including representatives of federal media outlets, to discuss key issues affecting troops in the special military operation zone.

The meeting focused on stable frontline communications, countering Ukrainian UAVs, new military developments, and the supply of equipment and materials to Russian units.

Belousov paid particular attention to systems designed to counter enemy drones. He said a layered network of tactical drone interceptors is already operating across all Russian troop groupings, while work to strengthen air defense continues.

According to the defense minister, the situation changes every two to three months, forcing the army to adapt quickly. He said all troop groupings now have a layered protection system built around tactical interceptors, including mobile fire teams equipped primarily with FPV interceptor drones, which are being actively introduced.

Belousov also said Russian forces are building a unified information environment intended to improve units’ situational awareness. Software is being introduced from the tactical level upward, allowing troops to identify targets, assess the battlefield, manage combat operations and coordinate actions more effectively.

He noted that the counter-drone system is gradually being integrated into the broader air defense framework, which includes multiple elements designed for different tasks.

The minister also spoke about support for frontline laboratories involved in developing and upgrading drones, as well as ground-based robotic systems. According to Belousov, this work has become routine in nearly every major unit and is firmly established at the divisional level.

He said such projects receive funding for components, spare parts, 3D printers and other necessary equipment.

During the meeting, Belousov also stated that Russian drones have begun using elements of artificial intelligence. The technology is being applied to image recognition, automatic target acquisition and navigation. He added that AI is also being introduced into air defense systems, with the first results expected to be presented in November 2026.