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Ukrainian FP-2 Drones Strike $5M Russian Orion UAV Hub in Occupied Crimea
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine carried out a night FP-2 drone strike on a Russian UAV facility at the Kirovske airfield in occupied Crimea. Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, published video confirming the attack.
According to Madyar, the strike targeted what Ukrainian forces identify as a storage and maintenance site for Russian Orion UAVs—long-endurance reconnaissance-strike drones used across occupied territories.
🇺🇦💥 Ukrainian FP-2 drones struck a Russian Orion UAV base in occupied Crimea — confirmed by drone commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi. pic.twitter.com/HxUVHADTqZ
— Ivan Khomenko (@KhomenkoIv60065) November 13, 2025
The Ukrainian Side Strike Center (formerly the 14th UAV Regiment), operating under the 1st Separate UAV Center, conducted the strike early on November 13. Footage released by Madyar shows FP-2 drones hitting infrastructure linked to Orion operations at the Kirovske airfield.
Ukraine has previously tracked Orion activity in the area, describing the drone as a platform capable of carrying air-to-surface munitions, remaining airborne for up to 24 hours at altitudes of around 7,500 meters, with a wingspan of 16.3 meters.
The strike follows an earlier interception on September 13, when the 414th “Topot” unit of Madyar’s Birds Brigade downed an Orion UAV. Brovdi referenced that event, noting that Ukrainian units have now targeted both the aircraft and its maintenance location.
Russian Orion UAVs have been used for reconnaissance and precision strikes along the front line. The Orion—also known as Inokhodets—is Russia’s most advanced long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, capable of carrying guided air-to-ground munitions and operating at altitudes up to 7,500 meters for as long as 24 hours.
With a wingspan of over 16 meters and a maximum payload of up to 250 kilograms, it serves as Russia’s rough equivalent to the American MQ-1 Predator. According to open-source military estimates, each Orion unit—including its control station—can cost upwards of $5 million, making it a high-value asset in Russia’s aerial arsenal.
Earlier, explosions were reported in Russia’s city of Oryol after a strike that local officials initially attributed to “unmanned aerial vehicles.” The Armed Forces later confirmed the use of Ukrainian‑made weapons in the operation, including Flamingo missiles, Bars, and An‑196 Liutiy strike drones.
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