Training in Handling Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Thursday, 5.11.2026 | Training
Members of a Military Police Battalion from the Serbian Army are conducting training on the use of remotely piloted aircraft at the “Rujnik” military complex near Niš, in support of their intended tasks.
Through this training, military police personnel acquire the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge regarding data collection capabilities, the characteristics and operational employment of these aircraft, and the use of thermal imaging cameras. Furthermore, they learn how to integrate the gathered information into a common operational picture of the battlefield.
According to Captain 1st Class Đorđe Gligorić from the Command of the 3rd Military Police Battalion, his unit is equipped with modern remotely piloted aircraft designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and the collection of intelligence on the enemy—by day or night, and in all weather conditions.
“We conduct the training across three operational stations. At the first station, we cover the theoretical provisions, procedures, measures, and actions involved in operating remotely piloted aircraft. At the second station, we carry out pre-flight preparations and low-altitude flight maneuvers—between 3 and 7 meters—to verify aircraft control; once this is complete, the aircraft are ready for their designated tasks. For the training, we utilize two moving groups of ‘opposing force’ personnel: a motorized patrol and a foot patrol. We detect them using the aircraft, which transmit a video feed to the third station; there, in real time and space, we monitor the movement of these groups—the foot and motorized patrols,” said Captain 1st Class Gligorić.
Speaking about the specific nature of the training, Corporal Stefan Lepović pointed out that it required a particular set of skills and a high level of dedication.
“The training is very interesting. It is not physically demanding, but it requires great concentration, motor skills, close attention to detail, and a significant amount of learning,” said Corporal Lepović.
Equipping Military Police units with remotely piloted aircraft has enhanced the operational capabilities of these Serbian Armed Forces components—primarily by increasing situational awareness, providing better insight into conditions on the ground, and creating more favorable conditions for timely decision-making. Furthermore, efficiency in the execution of assigned tasks has improved, response times to emerging situations have been reduced, and the safety and protection of friendly forces have been enhanced.
