Russia still has sights set on Orion

23rd March 2021 - 17:30 GMT | by Alexander Mladenov in Sofia

RSS

The Orion MALE UCAV has been combat-tested in Syria. (Photo: Russian MoD)

Russian Minister of Defence claims more homemade MALE UCAVs will be delivered in 2021.

The Russian MoD is set to take on strength up to seven Orion MALE UCAV systems in 2021, Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu announced in early March during a visit to privately owned manufacturer Kronstadt.

During his factory tour, Shoigu was shown Orion and other UCAV developments such as the high-speed Grom and Inokhodets-RU (which also has a reconnaissance capability), as well as the Helios-RLD, which Russian defence analysts tout as an airborne early warning platform.

Kronstadt began the development of Orion in 2011 as part of the Russian MoD-funded Inokhodets programme. The MoD required a new UAV capable …

Want to read more?

To read this article, along with thousands of others like it, start your Premium News free trial.

Start Trial or log in here

More from Unmanned Vehicles

Teledyne FLIR launches ION M640x tactical UAS

Teledyne FLIR has added a new UAS type to its product line.
AUSA 2021: UVision reveals its new HERO Multi-Canister Launcher

UVision has introduced its new Hero Multi-Canister Launcher during the 2021 AUSA annual meeting.
AUSA 2021: Textron makes the cut for FTUAS downselect

As the US Army's Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) programme ramps up, Textron has revealed it plans on scaling up the company's Aerosonde HQ in a bid to outdo competitors and support future needs of the service.
New Turkish UAV engine unveiled

TEI's PD-222ST turbodiesel targets weight reduction and higher take-off power. First flight is due on a Baykar TB-3 or AKINCI airframe.
France completes Patroller tactical UAV tests

The French DGA and Safran have finished Patroller UAV flight tests over Finland.
DSEI 2021: Blue Bear emphasises swarm control

UK SME Blue Bear has put a 20-drone swarm through its paces.