Speaking at a forum called “Russia – The Country of Possibilities”, the Russian Ministry of Defence hinted at the possibility that robot soldiers will replace the traditional army very soon.
Prompted by a question asked by one of the forum participants asking whether in the “near future” combat operations would be conducted by remote-controlled vehicles, Mr Shoigu said: “Why in the near future?
“This is being implemented today and is being implemented quite energetically.
“We have started creating combat robots and their state and field trials are nearing completion.
“I hope that already this year we will start serial production.”
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Russian troops currently operate almost 1,800 drones.
Mr Shoigu also announced that his country has also completed work on developing robotic vehicles for area mine clearance.
He said: “Today such robots are already serial-produced.
“We do not stop the work for any single day, for any single hour.”
In the past months Russia has unveiled a range of robots that could be used by the Armed Forces.
Underwater robots such as anti-sabotage swimmers have been showcased at the Army-2017 Military and Technical Forum last August.
Just weeks later, the Russian Tikhomirov Research Institute of Instrument-Making unveiled a robotised medium-and-small range air defence missile system.
In January it was announced that a fighting vehicle called Soratnik – or Companion – underwent trials in conditions close to those of a real combat.
Kalashnikov Group, the company developing the unmanned strike vehicle, said: “The Soratnik automated fighting vehicle has been tested in conditions maximally close to a real combat environment.
“These trials confirmed the vehicle’s characteristics and proved the possibility of using the robotic system at air temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius.”
According to its maker, the Soratnik is capable of scouting, dealing with mine and patrolling as well as guarding duties.
The Russian Ministry of Defence is also investing in more accurate assault rifles.
Officials have confirmed the Russian army has received new AK-12 and AK-15 rifles to be used by both its ground and landing forces as well as the marines.