Russia likely forms separate drone systems regiment — ISW

The Institute for the Study of War reported the information.

The 7th Separate Reconnaissance-Strike Drone Regiment of the Central Military District consists of 1,342 servicemen and was 94% staffed as of April 2024.

The regiment trains at the Russian 473rd District Training Center and includes command personnel, a strike drone battalion, three reconnaissance-strike drone battalions, and logistical support units such as communication, medical, and repair units.

It is noted that the Russian military command plans to form 102 subordinate units within the 7th Separate Assault Aviation Regiment of reconnaissance drone complexes, including 41 strike units and 61 reconnaissance units.

Since July 2024, Russian volunteer groups have started crowdfunding campaigns to support this regiment, which operates in the occupied territories of the Zaporizhzhia region.

According to military analyst Konrad Muzyka, recent organizational changes in the Russian Armed Forces and the formation of drone units indicate that similar regiments could appear in other Russian military districts in the future.

"Russian forces are likely to gain enhanced drone support capabilities if the Russian Ministry of Defense successfully forms these new drone regiments and centralizes its procurement efforts within the Drone Forces, although the success of these efforts will depend on the Russian military's commitment to necessary reforms and the availability of resources," analysts suggest.

• On the night of January 29, drones of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence struck the Lukoil oil depot in the city of Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region. Russia's Defense Ministry claims to have intercepted and destroyed 104 UAVs.