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Satellite Images Reveal Ukrainian Drone Strike on Russia’s Secretive Orion UAV Base
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukrainian drones struck the Kirovske airbase in Russian-occupied Crimea on November 13, damaging infrastructure used to operate Russian Orion unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Satellite images released by the open-source intelligence channel Dnipro Osint reveal scorched areas near drone hangars and destroyed ground equipment.
According to Dnipro Osint, satellite photographs dated November 17 show visible burn marks and debris near structures used to support the Orion drone program.
The Kirovske airbase has been a key hub for the deployment, maintenance, and launch of Russian Orion reconnaissance-strike drones, which are actively used in operations against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed that the drone strike was carried out by the 1st Center of Unmanned Systems. In the same operation, Ukrainian forces also targeted a parking area for Russian helicopters located at the same airfield.
The Orion UAV, developed by Russia’s Kronshtadt Group, has a wingspan of approximately 16 meters and a length of around 8 meters. It can carry a payload of up to 200 kilograms, has a maximum takeoff weight of 1.2 tons, and is capable of operating at altitudes up to 7,000 meters for up to 24 hours. Its operational range is estimated between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometers.
The drone is equipped with four hardpoints for various types of guided munitions, including compact air-to-ground missiles and precision-guided bombs. In recent operations, Russia has reportedly used the Orion to deploy the small cruise missile S8000 “Banderol.”
The Kirovske airbase has served as a strategic point for monitoring Ukraine’s coastal zones and for launching strikes on maritime drones used by Ukrainian forces. These maritime drones have conducted repeated attacks on Russian assets in Crimea and the Kuban region.
The Orion drone has played a significant role in Russia’s efforts to detect and destroy Ukrainian naval drones, which remain a persistent threat to Russian logistics and infrastructure in the Black Sea.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces confirmed that FP‑2 drones struck infrastructure connected to Russia’s Orion UAV operations at the Kirovske airfield. Footage released by commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi showed the moment the drones hit the site.
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