Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone uses video game ‘Drone Battle: Ukraine’ and cyber tournaments to recruit students for drone assembly

Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone has taken an unusual approach to recruit students for drone assembly by promoting the video game "Drone Battle: Ukraine" and hosting cyber tournaments. This strategy, unveiled in spring 2026, leverages social media and influencers to attract young gamers who might be interested in the technical skills needed for drone production. This initiative highlights the intersection of gaming and military-industrial complex, raising questions about how modern warfare and tech skills are being marketed to the next generation. It also underscores the creative lengths governments are willing to go to bolster their drone technology sectors.