Russia’s new Drone Forces commander will first need to collect, assess and systematize the army’s practical experience in using unmanned aircraft. The task is particularly important because the new military branch is still at an early stage of development, according to military expert Mikhail Onufrienko.

The Armed Forces currently lack comprehensive manuals, training guidelines and established practices drawn from previous combat operations involving drones. For that reason, the new branch must be led by an officer who understands unmanned systems through direct practical experience rather than theory alone.

In comments to NEWS.ru, Onufrienko said the commander must understand how UAVs are employed at platoon and company level. He must also be capable of coordinating drone crews across an entire army formation or a larger grouping of forces.

Drone development and the delivery of new systems to military units will form another major area of responsibility. The command will have to respond quickly to changes on the battlefield while closely tracking advances in unmanned technology.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier announced personnel changes within the senior command of the Russian Armed Forces. Colonel General Denis Lyamin was appointed commander of the Drone Forces.