KYIV, UKRAINE – In what is being described as one of the most advanced drone-on-drone engagements recorded to date, Ukrainian drone operators from the Security Service's Center for Special Operations "A" (CSO "A") have successfully intercepted a Russian Orion reconnaissance drone.
The intercept, first reported by the Ukrainian defense news outlet Militarnyi, was confirmed by video footage released by the SBU. The footage shows the Russian Orion—a primary medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) reconnaissance and attack drone—being struck mid-air by a smaller Ukrainian FPV (First-Person View) interceptor drone while reportedly returning from a mission.
According to analysis of the video, the Ukrainian drone rammed the nose cone of the Orion. This section is critical as it houses the aircraft's avionics, communication systems, and flight controls.
While there is no objective visual evidence confirming the Orion was completely destroyed, the damage is believed to have been significant enough to neutralize the aircraft. This incident marks the largest aerial target successfully intercepted by one of Ukraine's innovative, drone-based air defense teams.
The Orion, developed by Russia's Kronshtadt Group, has been used by Russian forces for both reconnaissance and precision strike missions. The drone is a formidable asset, featuring a 16.3-meter wingspan, an 8-meter length, and a height of 3.2 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is approximately one ton. The UAV can operate at altitudes up to 8,000 meters for as long as 30 hours and is capable of carrying a 200 kg payload, which can include guided munitions.
The video published by the SBU showed no external weapons attached to the targeted Orion, suggesting the drone had already completed its attack mission and was on its return flight to base when it was intercepted.
This successful intercept highlights Ukraine's urgent and ongoing efforts to develop and deploy domestic counter-drone defense solutions, driven by Russia's escalating use of various UAVs such as the Shahed-136, Lancet, and the more advanced Orion platform.