Russia has launched a new military-focused school course as it looks to prepare teenagers "mentally and physically" for service, the UK Ministry of Defence has said.
In its latest intelligence update, the ministry said the course for 15 to 18-year-olds is part of a new programme called "Foundations of Security and Defence of the Motherland".
Over 11 modules, students will cover a range of topics including "combined arms combat and small arms familiarisation", it said.
"The programme seeks to create and will likely result in a more militarised and security focused society," the MoD said.
It added that the new youth strategy in Russia was aimed primarily at preparing "pre-conscription age teenagers mentally and physically for military service".
Russia has also increased the number of summer camps for children which involve various military activities, according to the MoD.
