From Krasnaya zvezda, July 15, 2026, p. 5. Complete text:
Robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an intrinsic part of modern combat. This means that the Russian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces are in urgent need of highly qualified personnel. The country’s leading universities are the Defense Ministry’s strategic partners in addressing this challenge. Southern Federal University provides a prime example of this synergy, with high-quality technical training and deeply military-patriotic work.
Since February 2026, the oldest university in southern Russia has been actively promoting service in the Unmanned Systems Forces. Valery Levshin, head of the university’s educational work and youth programs department, and Col. Sergei Yurchenko, deputy head of the university’s military training center, spoke with us about the university’s efforts to build a dialogue with young people, the support measures that are being implemented and the results that have already been achieved.
All of the university’s work is built on the core principle of a student’s purely voluntary and conscious choice. Valery Levshin emphasized: “The most important thing is to convey the truth to the students, contrary to rumors circulating online and in some media outlets. We work exclusively in the information field. Each contract is signed voluntarily by the students themselves. Our goal is to provide a complete picture, and the choice is always up to the individual.”
Students are given a detailed explanation of the benefits of a special contract for service in the Unmanned Systems Forces for a period of one year. This is an excellent alternative to conscription: Contracts are equivalent to completing conscription and confer the status of combat veteran and special military operation participant, with all state benefits.
To help students make an informed choice, the university has created a comprehensive set of information and practical platforms. A dedicated portal with detailed information and contact information is available on the university’s Web site. Meetings with officers from the military training center are held regularly. One special event was the large-scale patriotic forum Wings of Victory, which was held in May 2026 at the Physics department and brought together over 600 students. Representatives from the Southern Military District’s unmanned systems administration participated in the forum. Participants were treated to an exhibition of actual UAVs, modern engineering developments and historical models of equipment provided by the university’s military training center, School of Engineering and Institute of History and International Relations. Students were also able to test UAV simulators firsthand. This format allows young people to gain new knowledge and feel like part of a high-tech force.
Col. Sergei Yurchenko added that practical familiarity with the equipment often becomes a key factor in decision-making. “When students see modern unmanned systems and the capabilities of engineering designs already in use in the military, their eyes literally light up. They understand that they can apply their technical knowledge in practice. Our students come with a strong foundation: Many were interested in aircraft modeling, programming and electronics before university. All we have to do is channel this energy and equip them with modern technology,” Col. Yurchenko said.
Young people’s recruitment is supported by a robust system of social guarantees. The state, region and university have created an unprecedented support package for those who choose a contract. Students receive a one-time payment from three sources: a federal payment of 400,000 rubles, a regional payment from Rostov Province of up to 3 million rubles and an additional 100,000 rubles from the Rostov-on-Don administration (for those who sign a contract between May 1 and June 30, 2026). This comes out to a total of 3.5 million rubles. Students also receive a large monthly allowance and expanded social support measures.
The university, in turn, provides full academic and social support. The recruit retains his dormitory accommodations, all student benefits and the right to academic leave during his service. Valery Levshin commented: “Students are our constant focus. We help them complete all the necessary paperwork at the recruitment center, and upon their return from the military, we support them in their educational program. If necessary, we develop an individualized curriculum and provide assistance with admission to master’s and doctoral programs. We develop a customized approach and build a personalized educational trajectory for each student.”
The university also provides financial support to the families, children and spouses of participants in the special military operation from the university’s endowment.
This comprehensive effort is already yielding results. Three students from the Physics department, the Academy of Physical Education and Sports, and the Institute of Radiotechnical Control Systems have made a firm decision and signed contracts to serve in the Unmanned Systems Forces. They are currently completing a two-month training course.
Col. Sergei Yurchenko provided a detailed account of the training process for future UAV operators.
“The two months of training involve a rigorous, intensive course where students master all aspects of operating unmanned systems. They study the systems’ performance characteristics, learn to perform flight missions on simulators, and practice operations in various conditions, including electronic warfare. Our students demonstrate excellent results thanks to the technical foundation they have already acquired at the university. They quickly grasp the material and are able to analyze situations and make decisions. We maintain constant communication with the students throughout their training, and they confirm that they feel confident and ready to carry out missions,” says Col. Yurchenko.
The university doesn’t abandon its employees. Its leaders and supervisors help contract students quickly resolve any issues that arise. “The students are generally satisfied and have no complaints. If they have any questions, they can always contact us for a prompt solution. Contract soldiers understand the importance of consistency: serious training first, and only then combat missions,” Valery Levshin said.
Southern Federal University’s experience proves that the state, the military and a university can work together as a single mechanism. Young people gain access to high technology, adequate support and genuine care. The Unmanned Systems Forces are replenished with talented and patriotic operators and engineers. The university provides its students with a choice. The choice of the sky.