DIU: Russian strike and reconnaissance UAV "Orion" mostly consists of foreign components

DIU: Russian strike and reconnaissance UAV "Orion" mostly consists of foreign components

The disassembly was conducted by experts from the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. The results of the component analysis were published on the official website of the DIU. As reported by militarnyi.com, this is another example of the dependence of the Russian military-industrial complex on Western technologies in the development of modern drones.

Despite Russia’s claims of a "fully domestic" design, the internal composition of the drone is essentially a kit of foreign parts. Russian components make up only a small fraction. Many key electronic elements are produced by companies from the USA.

American components of the "Orion" drone

Photo: https://war-sanctions.gur.gov.ua

During the disassembly, transistors from the German company Infineon Technologies, flash memory and a 32-bit processor from Switzerland, a transistor of French manufacture, and a DC power line filter from Japan were also identified.

Of Russian production in the "Orion" were the airframe itself (fuselage and overall structure), manufactured by JSC "Kronstadt," and the aviation piston engine APD-115T. However, even in Russian assemblies, key elements are foreign. For example, in the gyro-stabilized optoelectronic targeting system (MOES) from JSC "NVK "SPP," all internal components are imported.

Nevertheless, the variable-pitch propeller is produced by JSC "NVP "Aerosila," and the generator drive gearbox by JSC "Reduktor-PM," both manufacturers based in Russia.

"Orion" (also known as "Inokhodets") is a Russian strike-reconnaissance UAV of the MALE class (medium-altitude, long-endurance), analogous to the Turkish Bayraktar TB2. It is designed for aerial reconnaissance and striking ground targets using guided missiles and bombs.

Dependence on imported parts is rather a weak point of Russia’s military industry. However, the very fact that the aggressor continues to gain access to Western technologies despite sanctions poses a danger. Earlier, Militarnyi reported that in September 2025, the "Topot" unit of the 414th UAV Brigade shot down a Russian "Orion" using an interceptor drone.