The Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies "Rubicon" was established in August 2024 and combines two functions usually kept separate: an operational unit with elite FPV operators, and a research, training and doctrine centre. Rubicon grew from roughly 1,450 personnel in 2025 to an estimated 5,000 in 2026.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Heavy FPV UAS test detachment | Testing and employment of heavier FPV systems |
| UAS test and evaluation detachments | Further development of drone systems and tactics |
| USV test detachment | Unmanned surface vessels |
| UGV test detachment | Unmanned ground vehicles |
| Air defence systems test detachment | Counter-UAS testing from a Russian perspective |
Doctrinal shift
Rubicon developed an explicit doctrine of targeting drone operators themselves, rather than only the drones they fly. This shifts the threat from "shoot down a drone" to "dismantle the chain behind it" — relevant to how own units position and protect their own operators.
Rubicon also acts as the engine behind the adaptation cycle from Chapter 4: new tactics are tested there, standardised, and then rolled out broadly to regular units.