Russia

Moscow establishes BARS volunteer formation

TASS English · 2026-06-24

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Moscow has established BARS-Moscow volunteer detachments to train individuals in drone operations and field tactics under near-combat conditions. • Why it matters: This initiative reflects Russia's ongoing military efforts in Ukraine and aims to bolster its defense capabilities by training volunteers to operate unmanned aerial vehicles and counter enemy UAVs. • What to watch next: Monitor developments in the training and deployment of BARS-Moscow volunteers, as well as any potential impacts on the military operations in Ukraine.

Military operation in UkraineMoscow establishes BARS volunteer formation BARS-Moscow volunteers practice the full cycle of field operations under near-combat conditionsMOSCOW, June 24. /TASS/. BARS-Moscow volunteer detachments have been established in the Russian capital. A TASS correspondent attended a drone operator training session at one of the Russian Defense Ministry's training ranges. BARS-Moscow volunteers, in particular, practice the full cycle of field operations under near-combat conditions. First, they check their equipment and workstations, assign roles among crew members, receive instructions for carrying out their missions, and prepare unmanned aerial vehicles, control systems and communication devices for operations. After that, the crew deploys and activates a ground control station to track targets in real time. A drone is finally installed into the launch system and undergoes final readiness checks before being deployed. "Training is conducted in stages because some of the new recruits have no drone-operating skills or technical education. They undergo a week of theoretical training and a week of practical instruction, including piloting and system operation. This is followed by combat coordination training," said a senior instructor with the call sign Chip, adding that the unit's members were highly motivated to defend Moscow. Volunteer members of the BARS-Moscow unit use Yolka and Lis interceptors to counter enemy UAVs. "Yolka operates in line-of-sight conditions and comes in handy for mobile fire teams. As for the Lis system, it is more stationary, focused on intercepting targets at long distances, involving radar stations, automated systems, and software," Chip explained. 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Source: TASS English
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