Russia Creates New Drone Force Under Denis Lyamin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Denis Lyamin as commander of the newly created Unmanned Systems Forces, a branch that will be responsible for conducting combat drone operations. The move forms part of a broader military reorganization in the fifth year of the war in Ukraine.

Putin described Lyamin as one of the most qualified experts for the role and instructed him to complete the formation of the new unit "in the near future". Lyamin previously served as chief of staff of the Centre group of Russian forces, which is fighting in Ukraine.

Drones have become one of the decisive elements of the war. Both sides are using them not only along the approximately 1,200-km front line, but also in attacks at sea and against targets deep behind enemy lines, including energy infrastructure and warehouses.

(Reuters, bak)