Russia’s latest increase in the authorized strength of its Armed Forces may be linked to the expansion of unmanned units and the expected deployment of the Rassvet satellite communications system, military correspondent Alexander Kots said.

Vladimir Putin has increased the authorized strength of the Russian Armed Forces by another 15,500 personnel. Kots noted that this is the fourth such increase since the beginning of 2026.

The military establishment grew by 2,640 personnel in March and another 7,360 in June. A further 25,000 positions were added in July, which Kots said was explained by the restoration of military construction units abolished around 20 years ago.

He argued that the pattern of expansion has changed significantly. In 2022–2024, Russia increased military personnel numbers in much larger steps of 137,000, 170,000 and 180,000, which Kots described as building up overall manpower for the conflict. The smaller increases seen in 2026, in his view, point instead to the creation and expansion of specific military structures.

Kots suggested that unmanned forces are one of the most likely areas behind the latest increase. These units would include not only aerial drones but also unmanned ground vehicles and maritime systems, all of which require additional operators.

He expects the development of ground robotic systems to accelerate as Russia begins deploying the Rassvet satellite communications system. Kots said he hopes the network will start providing communications on the battlefield next year. Russia is also developing unmanned surface vessels, with several promising designs already undergoing work.

Kots also linked the personnel decision to the question of mobilization. Based on the current pattern of military expansion, he believes Russia is not preparing to conduct another mobilization for now.