Defense forces struck Orion's ground station, drone launch sites, and Russian Federation warehouses
On September 17 and during the night of September 18, 2026, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck a number of key military targets belonging to the Russian occupation forces. Among the targets were a ground control station for “Orion” UAVs, a storage and launch site for attack drones, an ammunition depot, and a logistics depot belonging to the enemy.
Near the village of Novofedorivka at the Saki airfield in the temporarily occupied Crimea, Ukrainian forces struck an “Orion” (“Inokhodets”) ground control station for unmanned aerial vehicles.
“Orion” is a Russian MALE-class reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicle system with a long endurance. It is capable of remaining airborne for up to 24 hours, conducting electro-optical reconnaissance, and providing target designation at altitudes of up to 7.5 km.
In addition, the system can carry guided aviation munitions—missiles and aerial bombs with a total weight of up to 200–250 kg—to engage ground targets.
The destruction of the ground control station significantly limits the Russian forces’ ability to use “Orion” systems in that operational area.
In the Donetsk area, the Defense Forces struck a storage, preparation, and launch site for Russian forces’ attack drones.
Thus, the Ukrainian military continues to strike targets that support the deployment of Russian UAVs.
In addition, the destruction of two important facilities belonging to the Russian occupying forces has been confirmed in the Luhansk region.
Specifically, an enemy ammunition depot was struck in the Dovzhansk area.
In the Kipuchyi area, Ukrainian forces struck a logistics depot belonging to the occupying forces.
Ukrainian defense forces continue to strike key enemy military targets, including command posts, drone launch sites, and logistics facilities.
This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On the night of September 18, Russia suffered one of the largest drone attacks. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported 629 drones that were allegedly detected over 14 regions and in the waters of two seas.
