Ukrainian Armed Forces Destroy Four Orion Drones, An-72P Aircraft, and Mech Radar Station in Crimea

In the early hours of April 2, 2026, the Drone Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, in collaboration with the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, executed a successful operation that resulted in the destruction of four heavy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) known as 'Orion', a transport aircraft An-72P, and a radar station named 'Mech'. This operation took place at the Kirovske airfield, located in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea.

The commander of the Drone Forces, Robert Brovdi, known by his call sign 'Madyar', shared the details of this operation through his Telegram channel. He noted that the operation was carried out using the Birds 1 of the Drone Forces and the 9th Department of the Intelligence Directorate, which struck the base and pre-flight preparation point for the latest strike-reconnaissance UAVs 'Orion'. As a result of this attack, the destruction of four Orion UAVs was confirmed.

Additionally, during the operation, a transport aircraft An-72P was identified and destroyed. Madyar described this aircraft as a 'transportation aircraft' and also mentioned the Soviet-era mobile two-coordinate radar station for circular surveillance, the P-37 'Mech'. These achievements highlight the effectiveness of Ukrainian military actions in combating the occupiers on the peninsula.

The Orion UAV is a modern drone capable of remaining airborne for up to 24 hours, conducting reconnaissance missions at a range of 250-300 kilometers from its base. This UAV can carry up to 250 kilograms of armament, including missiles or bombs, and operate at altitudes of up to 7.5 kilometers. Due to its specifications, the Orion serves as a powerful tool for conducting reconnaissance and strike missions.

Madyar emphasized that the targeting of these objects was accomplished using middle strike FP-2 systems, which have a warhead weight ranging from 60 to 100 kilograms. This information indicates a high level of training and technical capability among Ukrainian military personnel, who can effectively carry out missions even under challenging conditions.

The operation at the Kirovske airfield is part of a broader strategy by the Ukrainian Armed Forces aimed at eliminating enemy resources and ensuring the country's security. The destruction of significant military assets in temporarily occupied territories represents a crucial step in the struggle to regain control over these regions.

This event also underscores the importance of drone technology in modern warfare, where drones are becoming increasingly vital for conducting reconnaissance and strike missions. The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to enhance their capabilities by utilizing cutting-edge technologies to achieve their objectives.