UAV / UCAV
Orion (Inokhodets)
The Orion (Inokhodets) is a Russian medium-altitude long-endurance armed drone built by Kronstadt Group in Moscow, first flown around 2016. It was Russia’s first armed MALE drone in series production and has been used in Syria and Ukraine.
Russia|Kronstadt GroupWhat Is the Orion? Overview, History and Development
Work on the Orion began around 2011 at Kronstadt, a private Russian company. The drone has a high wing, twin booms and a pusher engine, with a wingspan of about 16 m, a takeoff weight near 1,100 kg and about 200 kg of payload. Endurance is about 24 hours and the ceiling about 7,500 m. It historically used an Austrian Rotax 914 engine, and the export version is called Orion-E.
Russia tested the armed Orion in Syria around 2018–2019 and fielded it from about 2020. It is reportedly used in Ukraine since 2022 with laser-guided munitions, and Ukraine claims several losses. Only Russia is a confirmed operator, while UAE, Saudi and Vietnamese deals were rumoured and not confirmed. The estimated price is US$1–3 million. Rivals include the Bayraktar TB2 and MQ-9.
Orion Specifications: Endurance, Range, Payload and Sensors
Orion Variants and Versions Compared
The export version, shown at IDEX in the UAE around 2017, with no confirmed foreign buyers.
The Russian military version, designated Inokhodets, accepted by the Defence Ministry from about 2020.
A reconnaissance-focused configuration of the family, with details that have not been widely published.
Which Countries Use the Orion? Operators and Users
RussiaOrion FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the Orion drone cost?
The Orion drone costs about US$1–3 million per aircraft, according to unconfirmed estimates. Russia has not published a price, and no foreign contracts have been confirmed to provide a reference.
How long can the Orion drone fly?
The Orion drone can fly for about 24 hours, with a ceiling of about 7,500 m and a cruise speed of 120 to 200 km/h. Those are manufacturer-type figures, and the aircraft carries about 200 kg of payload.
Which countries use the Orion drone?
The Orion drone is confirmed in service only with Russia. The UAE showed it at IDEX around 2017, and deals with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam were rumoured, but none has been confirmed.
Orion vs Bayraktar TB2: which is better?
The Bayraktar TB2 has a far more visible combat record and is widely exported, while the Orion carries more payload at about 200 kg and flies about 24 hours. Turkish drones have outperformed the Orion in combat visibility.
Is the Orion drone used in Ukraine?
The Orion drone is reportedly used by Russian forces in Ukraine since 2022 with laser-designated munitions, and videos show strikes on Ukrainian positions. Ukraine claims it has shot down several, and Russia has not published figures.
What weapons does the Orion carry?
The Orion carries up to four hardpoints with KAB-20 and KAB-50 guided bombs, according to reports, plus Kh-38 small missiles. Vikhr-class missiles have been tested, and it also has electro-optical sensors and radar options.