Russian universities recruiting students for military drone units

Russian universities military recruitment drone technology unmanned systems student contracts

An investigation by Novaya Gazeta Europe reveals that at least 47 of Russia's top 50 universities are actively encouraging students to sign military service contracts with the Ministry of Defense. Based on the 2026 RAEX-100 ranking, the analysis shows that recruitment efforts are being conducted directly on 43 main campuses and in four branch locations.

Much of the recruitment focus is directed toward unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) units. Approximately 32 of the 50 universities analyzed offer educational programs specifically related to the development, operation, or design of drones. Some institutions, such as Bauman Moscow State Technical University and the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, have introduced specialized drone-related courses.

Recruitment campaigns often frame military service as a professional development opportunity in the rapidly evolving drone technology sector, promising high salaries and contract benefits. Reports suggest a target has been set for at least 2 percent of students at each university to sign military contracts.

Entities

Bauman Moscow State Technical University · Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology · Novaia Gazeta Europa · Novaya Gazeta Europe · RAEX · Russian Ministry of Defense · Russian State University of Oil and Gas · Valery Falkov

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] At least 47 of the 50 top-rated Russian universities are encouraging students to sign military contracts. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md · wiadomosci.wp.pl · www.gazetaprawna.pl
[● 2 SOURCES] Recruitment is being conducted directly on 43 main university campuses and in four branch locations. wiadomosci.wp.pl · www.gazetaprawna.pl
[● 2 SOURCES] There is a reported goal for at least 2 percent of students from each university to sign military contracts. wiadomosci.wp.pl · www.gazetaprawna.pl
[● 4 SOURCES] 32 of the analyzed universities have educational programs related to drone development or operation. radiomoldova.md · moldova1.md · wiadomosci.wp.pl · www.gazetaprawna.pl

Sources

Recrutare în universitățile ruse: Studenții sunt îndemnați să se alăture trupelor de drone [radiomoldova.md]

2 days ago

Aproape toate universitățile de top din Rusia recrutează studenți pentru serviciul militar [moldova1.md]

2 days ago

Rosyjskie uczelnie zachęcają do armii. Szkolą specjalistów od dronów [wiadomosci.wp.pl]

about 12 hours ago

Rosja werbuje studentów do armii. Rekrutacja na masową skalę [www.gazetaprawna.pl]

about 13 hours ago