An expert explained why Russian soldiers need electronic dog tags.

      03 January 2026 18:00 Society The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue their course toward digitization. As early as 2026, the phased introduction of electronic dog tags for servicemen will begin. They will become a technological alternative to the traditional titanium plates used in the army today.

      The first tests were successful

      The move to digital dog tags was announced by the head of the Russian Defense Ministry, Andrey Belousov, at a ministry board meeting in December. According to him, experimental samples have already been tested by fighters from the "Center" and "Dnepr" groupings. The test results were deemed satisfactory.

      "In order to enhance capabilities for locating the missing next year, the use of electronic dog tags for servicemen must be started," Belousov noted.

      The minister emphasized that this is one of the key tasks at the moment. To address it, the Main Coordination Center with a unified database of all servicemen has already begun operations. Special evacuation teams and search units have been formed in each grouping and report directly to this center. Volunteer and civic organizations have also been involved in search operations.

      "The number of servicemen found has tripled compared to last year — to 48% of the total," the minister specified.

      The goal for 2026 is to increase this figure to 60% and above.

      What will be in the electronic dog tags

      Currently, the army uses titanium tags with an embossed personal file number. Military expert and historian of the air defense forces Yuri Knutov told 360.ru that he personally received such a tag after graduating from a military academy. As a rule, it is worn on a chain or attached to the back of the breast badge.

      By the tag number, one can access a serviceman's personal data, including contact details for relatives who should be contacted in the event of injury or death.

      The expert assumes that a similar personal number will be implemented in the electronic tag as well. However, he considers directly including all personal data unnecessary and potentially dangerous.

      "If the body of a fallen fighter falls into enemy hands, there is a risk that the tag will be decoded and the family will be blackmailed," Knutov explained.

      He stressed that if such data are added, reliable encryption must be ensured. Access to the information should be possible only through a secure network or special software available exclusively to Russian military personnel.

      The innovation will simplify procedures

      According to the expert, electronic dog tags will significantly simplify the identification process, especially in the case of a serviceman's death or if a wounded person cannot speak due to concussion or memory loss.

      "That is the main advantage of the electronic tag over the titanium one. Previously, everything boiled down to paperwork and requests. Now that will no longer be the case — the procedure will be shortened several times," Knutov noted.

      He also compared the introduction of the electronic identifier to the use of an electronic signature.

      "I see only benefits when you can instantly connect to the system and get all the information about a serviceman," the expert concluded. In his view, this is a step in the right direction.

      Recall that from January 2026 the fine in Russia for failing to notify the military enlistment office about a move has increased.

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