Kathrine Frich
This new initiative isn’t the only example of war creeping into early education.
This new initiative isn’t the only example of war creeping into early education.
Kindergarten Kids to Learn Drone Ops in Russia
Authorities in the Russian city of Perm have announced that kindergartens will soon begin teaching the basics of drone operation.
Six preschools are being outfitted with UAV training centers, where children as young as five will receive lessons in drone control, engineering thinking, and digital technology use.
No Date, No Details, Just Drones
While the initiative is now public, officials have not disclosed when the first classes will begin.
The program will require the creation of new educational materials, instructor training, and the delivery of practical flight lessons—none of which have a clear timeline yet.
From Blocks to Bombers?
Critics have raised concerns about militarizing childhood.
Though Perm is far from the frontlines in Ukraine, the city’s leadership is clearly focused on building a tech-savvy generation prepared for future conflicts, even from the age of five.
Urals Region Already Teaching Kids to Hide
Perm’s new initiative isn’t the only example of war creeping into early education.
Schools and kindergartens across the Urals have reportedly begun teaching children how to hide from drones and navigate air raid scenarios, despite being far from active battle zones.
Russia’s Go-To Drone: The Shahed
Russia has leaned heavily on Shahed-136 drones, renamed Geran-2, for its assaults on Ukraine.
These Iranian-designed kamikaze drones are cheap, fly long distances, and detonate on impact.
Experts estimate Russia has launched over 4,000 of them, making them a key component in Moscow’s strategy of overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses.
Putin’s Draft Machine and Mounting Losses
With troop losses mounting, Russia has ramped up mobilization.
Between 50,000 and 100,000 Russian soldiers are believed to have died in the war so far, with total casualties exceeding 400,000.
The Kremlin is still drafting men aggressively and offering incentives like citizenship and cash to fill its depleted ranks.
A New Generation of Drone Operators
Russian officials frame the program as part of a broader STEM push. In reality, it’s more aligned with military preparedness.
The line between education and enlistment continues to blur as children are encouraged to view drone operation as both skill and duty.
Cold War Nostalgia Creeps In
In official promotional materials, children in the Perm drone centers are seen surrounded by slogans referencing Soviet-era figures like Igor Kurchatov and Sergei Korolyov.
Analysts say this fusion of historical pride and military ambition is designed to foster nationalist loyalty from a young age.
