Ukrainian FPV Drone Neutralizes Russia’s Orion UAV—Striking Its “Nerve Center”

For the first time, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has released footage showing the successful interception of a Russian Orion reconnaissance-strike UAV using an FPV drone.

The incident marks the largest aerial target confirmed to have been intercepted by Ukraine’s drone-based air defense system.

According to the SBU, the operation was carried out by operators from the “Alpha” Center for Special Operations.

The Orion, a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV capable of carrying precision-guided munitions, was reportedly returning from a combat mission over Ukrainian territory when it was targeted. The Ukrainian drone struck the nose section of the Orion—an area housing its control and communications systems—likely causing critical damage.

While the footage shows the impact, there is no independent confirmation of the full destruction of the drone. However, the SBU states that even a small interceptor is capable of disabling such systems if it strikes vital components.

In addition to the Orion, the same unit previously reported intercepting two Russian Forpost-R UAVs equipped for strike missions. These incidents, according to open sources, were recorded in late June.

The SBU also released a broader two-week operational summary, stating that its “Alpha” unit had targeted and struck a range of Russian military assets using strike drones and other weapons systems. The reported results include:

• 16 tanks;

• 21 armored vehicles;

• 75 artillery systems and MLRS;

• 22 air defense systems;

• 17 electronic warfare and intelligence assets;

• 577 vehicles;

• 80 drones and 308 communication antennas;

• 789 fortified positions;

• 15 ammunition depots and 7 fuel depots.

Orion UAV

The Orion, developed by Russia’s Kronstadt Group, is a MALE-class UAV with a wingspan of 16.3 meters and a length of 8 meters. It has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 1 ton and is capable of carrying up to 200 kilograms of payload.

The aircraft can remain airborne for up to 30 hours at altitudes reaching 8,000 meters, with a combat radius of around 250 kilometers.

Originally initiated in 2011, the Orion project reached operational testing in 2015 and entered limited service in 2020. The drone can be fitted with up to four air-to-surface munitions, including:

• Kh-50 guided missile;

• KAB-20 and KAB-50 precision-guided bombs;

• UPAB-50 glide bomb with a BM-21 warhead;

• FAB-50 unguided bomb;

• Kh-BPLA missile;

• S8000 “Banderol” cruise missile.

Russian forces have used Orion drones to launch attacks over the Black Sea, including deployments of the Banderol drone against southern Ukrainian targets.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced a new target of producing 1,000 interceptor drones per day, highlighting Ukraine’s growing domestic drone industry as a key element of national and European defense.

DEFENSE

Support the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Donate Towards Robots, as Well as Other Military Equipment and Supplies to Help Ukraine’s Defenders Fight Off Russian Invaders

Donate