Ukrainian drone operators with the Security Service’s “A” Center for Special Operations (CSO “A”) have intercepted a Russian Orion unmanned aerial vehicle in what appears to be the most advanced drone-on-drone engagement recorded to date.
The intercept, reported by the Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi, was confirmed through video footage published by the SBU.
The Orion UAV—Russia’s primary medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) strike and reconnaissance drone—was reportedly returning from a mission when it was engaged mid-air by a smaller Ukrainian intercept drone.
According to video reviewed by Militarnyi, the Ukrainian drone struck the Orion’s nose section, which houses critical avionics, communication systems, and flight controls.
While it remains unclear whether the Orion was completely destroyed—due to the absence of objective visual confirmation—the damage appears sufficient to have disabled the aircraft. It is the largest airborne target to date successfully intercepted by one of Ukraine’s drone-based air defense teams.
The Orion, developed by Russia’s Kronshtadt Group, has been used by Russian forces for both reconnaissance and precision strike missions. The drone has a wingspan of 16.3 meters, a length of 8 meters, and a height of 3.2 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is approximately one metric ton. The UAV can operate at altitudes up to 8,000 meters for durations of up to 30 hours and is capable of carrying a 200-kilogram payload, including guided munitions.
Video released by the SBU shows no visible external ordnance mounted on the downed Orion, suggesting the drone had already completed its strike mission and was en route to base when it was intercepted.
Ukraine’s push to develop and field indigenous drone defense solutions has gained urgency amid Russia’s expanded use of UAVs such as the Shahed-136, Lancet, and now the Orion.