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Ukrainian Intelligence Unmasks 43 Russian Firms Using US Parts for Orion Attack Drone

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Roman Kohanets
News Writer
Ukrainian Intelligence Unmasks 43 Russian Firms Using US Parts for Orion Attack Drone
Russian-made Orion (Inokhodets) combat drone in flight. (Photo: open source)

Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has disclosed that Russia’s Orion (Inokhodets) combat drone contains multiple foreign-made components, including American parts, in an article published on HUR War&Sanctions portal on November 5.

The revelation includes a full 3D schematic of the UAV and a list of 43 Russian companies involved in its production.

3D model of Russia’s Orion (Inokhodets) combat drone published by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR). Source: HUR.
3D model of Russia’s Orion (Inokhodets) combat drone published by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR). Source: HUR.

According to the report, Orion is produced by the sanctioned Russian Kronshtadt group and relies on imported electronics, sensors, and materials to maintain output despite Western restrictions.

HUR identified critical subsystems sourced from abroad—among them US-manufactured microchips and navigation modules integrated into the drone’s control and reconnaissance systems.

“The presence of American components in Russian weapons once again demonstrates the need for tighter export controls and synchronized sanctions,” the agency said.

The Orion is a one-ton medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV capable of:

  • Carrying up to 250 kilograms of payload, including guided bombs and Kh-series missiles;

  • Reaching up to 30 hours with a range of about 250 kilometers, extendable to 300 kilometers with a relay;

  • Carrying Russia’s new S8000 “Banderol” cruise missile, which itself includes foreign-sourced parts previously identified by HUR.

Among the 43 Russian entities listed by HUR are manufacturers of opto-electronic systems, ground control stations, and composite airframe materials.

Roughly one-third remain unsanctioned by Western governments, allowing continued procurement of dual-use technologies through intermediaries.

HUR warned that these channels “enable Russia to sustain its war effort and pose an ongoing risk to global security,” urging the US and allied export-control authorities to block access to components used in weapons deployed against Ukraine.

Earlier, it was reported that the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR) published data on 68 new foreign‑made components found in Russian missiles and drones—including microcontrollers, analog‑digital converters and other imported elements.

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