Ukraine's military has successfully countered several Russian drones on the battlefield, including the Orlan and Zala models, but is now facing challenges with a more advanced drone: the Orion.
Difficult to Intercept
The Orion drone, used by Russian forces, has proven difficult for Ukraine to intercept, making it a significant threat on the front lines.
Drones have become increasingly important in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with both sides utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and attacks, according to WP.
Ukrainian forces have adapted their drones, attaching incendiary materials such as thermite to turn them into airborne flamethrowers. However, the Russian-made Orion drone operates at distances and altitudes beyond the reach of Ukraine's current air defense systems.
Can Stay Airborne 24 Hours
According to military analyst Aleksandr Kovalenko, the Orion drones are conducting round-the-clock reconnaissance and patrol operations over the Black Sea, focusing on the Mykolaiv and Odesa regions.
The drones operate as far as 180 kilometers (111 miles) from the Ukrainian coastline, where they are challenging to target. The Orion also flies at altitudes of up to 8 kilometers (5 miles), further complicating efforts to bring them down.
First flown in October 2016, the Orion drone is powered by a 114-horsepower Turbax engine.
The UAV measures 16.2 meters (53 feet) in wingspan, with a length of 8 meters (26 feet) and a height of just over 3 meters (10 feet). It has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,100 kilograms (2,425 pounds), with up to 450 kilograms (990 pounds) allocated for armaments.
Capable of speeds up to 250 kilometers per hour (155 mph), the Orion can stay airborne for 24 hours, making it a versatile tool for reconnaissance and combat operations.
