Video: Ukrainian interceptor drone shot down a Russian Orion
Fighters from the “Pribultsi” unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade destroyed a Russian “Orion” reconnaissance and strike drone using an interceptor drone.
This is reportedly the second confirmed instance of a Ukrainian drone successfully intercepting such a UAV. Units supported by the “Dronopad” project of the “Come Back Alive” Foundation were involved in both operations.
The “Orion” is capable of carrying up to 200 kg of payload, has a combat radius of up to 250 km, can remain airborne for up to 30 hours, and operate at altitudes of up to 8 km.
It is this drone that Russian troops are using to carry the new S8000 “Banderole” cruise missile. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the missile reaches speeds of up to 650 km/h, has a range of about 500 km, and is equipped with a warhead weighing over 114 kg, of which nearly 50 kg is explosive material.
Previously, operators of anti-aircraft drones from the SBU’s Special Operations Center “A” also succeeded in destroying a large “Orion” drone.
Russia plans to produce up to 120 “Banderole” missiles per month, which would potentially allow it to launch up to four such missiles per day. This was reported by Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov, an advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Defense.
As a reminder, on the night of July 8, strike drones of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck amilitary airfield in Borisoglebsk, Voronezh Oblast, Russia. It is at this airbase that aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces are stationed, which are used for both combat and training missions.
