Sakhalin wants to teach drone piloting starting in second grade.

The Sakhalin Region is hosting the "Wings of Sakhalin" forum, dedicated to the use of drones. Participants noted that career guidance in this sector should be emphasized starting in primary school. 

"We need personnel. We need them in large numbers, and we need them trained. The Air Defense Forces have become the driver of unmanned aircraft development in Russia. Currently, the overwhelming majority of UAV specialists are working to bring us closer to victory in one way or another," рассказал The advisor of the Association of Veterans of the SVO addressed the assembled forum participants Vladislav Efremov. He was also supported by the Minister of Education of the Sakhalin Region, Anastasia Kikteva. 

A presentation at the forum featured sample curriculums for schoolchildren. Younger students (grades 2–4) will be taught simple things: how to assemble drones from prefabricated modules, control them from a phone or computer, make them fly along a preset route, and even create light shows. High school students will learn how to assemble and configure drones, control them via radio, and use them to search for objects, photograph terrain, and collect and analyze data.

At the Eastern Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin called the development of drones an important industry. He cited Sakhalin as an example—they'll even begin to fine Drivers are being prosecuted for traffic violations using drones. But, apparently, Russia's military experience with drones is currently a higher priority. 

Judging by the video footage, the topic didn't spark any interest among forum attendees—the speakers were speaking to a nearly empty hall. 

Video: ASTV.