Russia is expanding mandatory military training in schools, with students as young as 13 set to receive instruction on machine guns, anti-tank weapons and hand grenades.

Starting September 1, military-related training will reportedly make up 50% of the “Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland” course, up from around 20%.

The expanded curriculum also covers military discipline, tactics, emergency field medicine and survival skills.

The move further integrates military preparedness into Russia’s education system as the war in Ukraine continues.