Russian military personnel have begun specialized training to counter unmanned aerial vehicles, according to an instructor from the Moscow Military District’s combat training unit, known by the call sign Zmey.

The instructor explained that counter-drone warfare has become a separate discipline in military training. At designated training grounds, soldiers are being prepared to serve in mobile fire groups and air observation posts, with a particular focus on engaging aerial targets flying at low altitudes and short distances.

According to Zmey, successfully countering enemy drones requires more than accurate shooting. Effective operations depend on coordinated teamwork, with every member of the unit expected to account for multiple factors that influence the accuracy of fire against moving aerial targets.

A significant part of the training focuses on ballistics. Soldiers study how bullet velocity, distance to the drone, its flight trajectory, weapon positioning and the necessary lead affect shooting accuracy. Instructors also examine common mistakes that can occur when engaging moving targets.

Another major element of the program involves identifying and understanding different types of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Zmey noted that the military’s reference materials covering various drones and their associated munitions have expanded considerably. He compared the sheer volume of information to the first two volumes of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, highlighting the complexity and diversity of modern drone technology.

The instructor emphasized that effective counter-drone operations also require a solid understanding of UAV design. Military personnel must be familiar with the operating principles of different drones and recognize their main structural components.

The training program therefore combines marksmanship, theoretical knowledge and team coordination, reflecting the growing importance of countering unmanned aircraft in military operations.