Ukrainian forces struggle against high-flying Russian Orion drones
The Ukrainian armed forces have managed to address the growing problem on the front lines posed by Orlan and Zala drones. However, they still face difficulties with another device used by the Russians. The Orion drone remains a particularly challenging threat to intercept.
Drones are becoming increasingly important in gaining an advantage in the conflict in Ukraine. Both Ukrainians and Russians use drones. The Ukrainians regularly modify their designs, mounting flammable charges like thermite, effectively turning the drones into flying flamethrowers.
Ukrainians cannot handle Orion drones
The opposing side also has equipment that regularly destroys Ukrainian positions, including Orlan and Zala drones. The defenders have learned to fight these types and can confront them. However, the Russian Federation has more sophisticated equipment that is much harder to intercept. This Russian ace up their sleeve is the Orion drone – a drone used for round-the-clock reconnaissance at distances too great for Ukrainian air defense systems to counter.
According to military analyst Aleksandr Kovalenko, over the Black Sea, Orion unmanned aerial vehicles conduct round-the-clock reconnaissance operations toward the Mykolaiv and Odesa regions.
Kovalenko notes that, unlike the Orlan and Zala drones, shooting down Orions using other drones is impossible. The primary issue is the Orions' operational distance from the coast, reaching 110 miles, where Ukrainian drones can be launched. Additionally, the Orions operate at altitudes of up to 5 miles, complicating interception efforts.
Russian drone operating at high altitude
The Russian Orion drone first flew in October 2016. It is powered by a Turbax internal combustion engine, generating 114 horsepower. The Orion's wingspan reaches 53 feet, its length is 26 feet, and its height is just over 10 feet.
This design's takeoff weight is 2,425 pounds, with a maximum of 990 pounds allocated for armaments. Equipped with S-8 missiles or various guided bombs, the Orion can accelerate to 155 mph (its cruising speed is 75 mph). The manufacturer has ensured the aircraft can remain in the air for an entire day. During this time, it can fire on enemy units and, more importantly, conduct aerial observation at altitudes between 22,965 and 26,247 feet.
