Aircraft
Russia’s First MALE UAV Is Revealed
The Predator-like Orion MALE UAV faces an uncertain future, as its maker struggles for funding.
The Orion UAV was shown flying at the recent MAKS show—but only in this video. (Image: KT Group)
The Orion UAV was shown flying at the recent MAKS show—but only in this video. (Image: KT Group)

Russia’s first medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV system was shown in part and in video at last month’s MAKS show near Moscow. But the privately owned Kronshtadt (KT) Group that displayed the Orion says that more than one example has flown, and the UAV is ready for production. KT has been developing it under a contract with the Russian MoD won in 2011. At MAKS, KT signed an agreement with Rosboronexport to market the Orion for export.


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