Putin Reveals Russia's Satellite-Based Combat Drone Control System, Interfax Reports

MOSCOW, June 12 (Reuters) — President Vladimir Putin disclosed on Friday that Russia is developing a satellite-based command and control architecture for combat drones, speaking during a meeting with top military officials, the Interfax news agency reported. The system is expected to enable real-time remote piloting and coordination of unmanned aerial vehicles across vast distances, reducing reliance on ground-based radio links that are vulnerable to jamming and interception.

Russian state media later added that Putin signed a decree fixing the total strength of the Russian armed forces at 2,399,130 personnel, including 1,510,000 active-duty service members. The move underscores the Kremlin’s long-term military build-up as it continues its campaign in Ukraine and faces a modernized NATO on its western flank.

The satellite drone-control initiative reflects a broader push by Moscow to integrate space-based assets into battlefield operations, a domain where the U.S. and China have already made significant strides. Analysts say that if successfully deployed, the system could enhance Russia's ability to conduct deep-strike missions and loitering munition attacks beyond the range of conventional ground stations, potentially altering tactical dynamics in contested airspace. However, the timeline and technical readiness of the project remain unclear, and past Russian military space programs have faced delays and budget constraints.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Mark Porter)