Russian media: Russia forms frontline unmanned equipment repair unit

Reference News Network reported on May 13 According to the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" website on May 6, the Russian Airborne Forces have formed several drone maintenance companies responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of various types of drones and ground robotic combat systems. These companies have already been deployed to the special military operation area to carry out missions. Experts point out that conducting maintenance operations directly at the front line of combat allows damaged equipment to be quickly repaired and returned to the battlefield.

The report states that, according to sources from "Izvestia," each airborne maintenance company is divided into three specialized platoons with clear divisions of labor: the first platoon is responsible for fixed-wing drone maintenance; the second platoon handles multi-rotor drones; and the third platoon is in charge of ground robotic combat systems. Each company also has a technical inspection team and a specialized rapid response team for transporting damaged equipment from frontline danger zones.

The personnel in the companies all have engineering backgrounds or have received specialized training at the Russian Ministry of Defense training centers and drone manufacturing plants.

With the professional skills of the maintenance companies, even severely damaged equipment can be repaired within two to three days and redistributed to combat units after testing. The companies also undertake the daily operation and maintenance of drones and ground robots. Many pieces of equipment can be modified and upgraded on-site, including the installation of high-capacity batteries, high-definition cameras, and other supporting onboard modules. The relevant maintenance stations are located close to the combat contact line, all set up in well-protected underground shelters.

Experts indicate that the operational mode of the special military operation is rapidly changing, with both sides significantly enhancing the combat application of drones.

The newly formed maintenance companies are also responsible for collecting enemy unmanned equipment on the battlefield, repairing it for use, or dismantling it for spare parts. The batteries, cameras, motors, and other components of Ukrainian unmanned equipment can be compatible with Russian unmanned equipment. Captured ground unmanned combat platforms can also be put into actual combat after maintenance, especially suitable for logistics transport and supply in high-risk areas. (Translation/ Zhao Zhipeng)