
MINSK, 11 August (BelTA) - Denis Dudkin, Head of the Department for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Application and Development in the Armed Forces of Belarus, explained how the country trains drone operators in an interview with Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA has learned.
“Drones are no longer an exotic technology. Their deployment is now widespread. We are incorporating lessons from the special military operation and actively integrating drones into our forces. They serve as the 'eyes' of the army, and strike-capable drones are also being introduced. UAVs can be used for electronic warfare, jamming, and deploying aerosol screens with various smokes to conceal troop movements and positions from the enemy. Our specialists are refining various tactical applications. Without a skilled operator, a drone is just a toy,” Denis Dudkin said.
He outlined a structured training cycle: school, military academy (or military faculty), and then active duty. “A passion for aviation, particularly drone aviation, starts at school. Children grasp these skills quickly and often demonstrate creative thinking. Sometimes, they even suggest new ways to deploy certain aircraft. The military academy provides professional, systematic training. We know what fundamentals to teach, what to emphasize, and how to act. A major focus is on creativity and unconventional thinking. An operator who follows a rigid manual is easily predictable to the enemy,” he said.
“Our cooperation with the State Authority for Military Industry (SAMI) is excellent. They listen and understand our needs. Our requirements arise during drills and operations, and we relay them to the SAMI. The feedback loop is fast - they quickly develop solutions, which we test and refine. Sometimes, the SAMI even anticipates our needs. Their proposals undergo field evaluation, and the final products effectively meet our mission requirements,” Denis Dudkin emphasized.
He acknowledged that resources are finite, and technology evolves too rapidly to chase every advancement. “We focus on core platforms that can be upgraded and improved. This is the most rational approach, and we fully support it. Given this, the advanced technological solutions emerging in Belarus, thanks to the SAMI, the Defense Ministry, and other security agencies, will undoubtedly secure their niche and perform at the highest level,” the department head concluded.