The large-scale use of FPV drones and loitering munitions in the Russo-Ukrainian War has overshadowed the use of other types of unmanned aerial vehicles, such as MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) drones. However, this has not prevented their deployment in reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack missions when operational conditions permit. This is evidenced by recent reports from local media, which indicate that Russian Armed Forces Orion drones are being used in attack missions in the Kursk region, with the new Kh-BPLA guided munitions being employed.
The Orion (referred to as “Kronshtadt”) is one of the most advanced MALE UAVs in service with the Russian Armed Forces since 2020. Developed and manufactured by Kronshtadt Group, it can be used for a wide range of missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol. It is also utilized for attack missions due to its compatibility with various types of smart and guided munitions.
While the use of MALE drones has been limited during the conflict in Ukraine, largely due to the heavy presence of air defense systems, which has favored the use of lower-cost FPV drones and loitering munitions, the situation in the Kursk region has allowed for the Orion’s use on several occasions. This is partly due to the lower presence of anti-aircraft capabilities in the operational area, providing an opportunity for the deployment of this class of UAVs.
According to various local publications, Russian Armed Forces MALE Orion drones are being used in attack missions against Ukrainian formations currently deployed in Kursk. Recent reports include an attack on a Ukrainian T-64B tank. Notably, Russian sources indicate that one of the new Kh-BPLA guided munitions, recently introduced, was used in this attack.
This new guided munition, compatible with the Orion drone, was recently unveiled at the ARMY 2024 exhibition held in Moscow. Based on technology used in the Kornet anti-tank missile and the Krasnopol precision artillery projectile, the Kh-BPLA was presented as a new guided munition suitable for launch from helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Laser-guided, the Kh-BPLA can target objects up to 8 kilometers away and from altitudes of 4,000 meters, equipped with a 6-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Its primary use is to target light armored vehicles, bunkers, and fortifications.
Returning to the Orion, various experts have noted that the number of such drones is still lower compared to the loitering munitions like the Lancet, primarily due to higher costs, despite the drone being reusable. Kronshtadt Group has also highlighted potential export opportunities for new clients through the introduction of new versions focused on these markets.
Photographs used for illustration purposes.
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