Ukrainian forces successfully downed a new Russian Orion unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the skies over Russia’s Kursk region using a Cold War-era Strela-10 (SA-13 Gopher) short-range air defense system.
The 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces carried out the operation, confirming the strike in a video shared on their official Telegram channel. The message accompanying the video detailed how the Strela-10 air defense crew accurately targeted the Orion UAV, which poses a significant threat due to its dual reconnaissance and attack capabilities.
“Unmanned aerial vehicles of this type are dangerous not only for conducting aerial reconnaissance but also because they can carry four air-to-surface missiles capable of striking ground targets,” the Ukrainian paratroopers stated.
The Orion UAV is one of Russia’s latest additions to its unmanned aerial fleet, developed by the Kronshtadt Group. The UAV is classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone, designed for extended surveillance missions and capable of carrying out air-to-ground attacks.
Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down a modern Russian Kronshtadt Orion (Inokhodets) MALE UCAV in Kursk Oblast of Russia.
The Russians are actively using those UAVs to target Ukrainian troops and equipment with guided munitions in the Kursk operation zone. pic.twitter.com/uXYxGUBSXr
— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) October 20, 2024
The Strela-10, known in NATO terms as the SA-13 “Gopher,” is a short-range, mobile air defense system first introduced in the 1970s. Despite its age, the system has remained in service with several militaries, including Ukraine’s, due to its adaptability and effectiveness against aerial threats like drones.
The Ukrainian success in neutralizing a modern Russian drone with a Soviet-era air defense system highlights both the ingenuity of Ukrainian forces and the evolving nature of the conflict, where older technologies are being deployed in new ways.