Moscow School Recruits Students to Fight Drones

The Moscow Architectural Institute (MARCHI) has begun recruiting students for the BARS Moscow volunteer unit, whose mission is to protect the Russian capital from drone attacks. Novaya Gazeta Europe drew attention to the offer, which was posted on the university's website in early July.

Students can sign a one-year contract, described as "equivalent to a military service contract". They would operate only in Moscow, the Moscow region and the Kaluga region. After 21 days of training in the operation of modern drone-interception equipment, including laser systems, they are to serve on a three-days-on, three-days-off rotation.

The institute offers a monthly salary of 200,000 rubles ($2,500), plus additional bonuses "for every enemy UAV shot down". It also promises participants housing, meals, equipment and social benefits for their families. Students currently paying tuition could also switch to tuition-free study.

Similar recruitment offers have also appeared at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, the VGIK film school and other Russian universities.

(luc)