Ukrainian Defense Forces Destroy Four Orion Drones and AN-72P Aircraft in Crimea

In the early hours of April 2, 2023, the Ukrainian Defense Forces executed a successful operation that resulted in the destruction of four Orion unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), an AN-72P aircraft, and a pre-flight training point at the Kirovske airfield, located in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. This information was confirmed by Robert Madyar Brovdi, the commander of the UAV Forces.

Brovdi stated that military personnel from the 1st Separate Special Operations Center and the 9th Department of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine conducted a “courtesy visit” to the base housing the latest and high-value strike-reconnaissance UAVs Orion. As a result of the attack on the Kirovske airfield, situated near the settlement of Krasnosilskoye, a mobile two-coordinate radar station P-37 Mech was also destroyed.

The commander noted that the strikes were carried out using FP-2 drones, which are manufactured in Ukraine and equipped with a warhead weighing between 60 to 100 kg. This highlights the high level of technological training of the Ukrainian military in utilizing unmanned systems to accomplish missions in the conflict zone.

The Orion UAV, which was destroyed during this operation, is a modern drone capable of remaining airborne for up to 24 hours with a range of 250 to 300 kilometers. It performs reconnaissance tasks and can carry up to 250 kg of armament, including missiles or bombs, at altitudes of up to 7.5 kilometers. This makes it extremely dangerous for adversaries, as the Orion can engage targets from a considerable distance without the risk of being destroyed.

This attack is part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to eliminate military facilities and infrastructure of the enemy in occupied territories. It demonstrates a high level of coordination among various units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their ability to effectively utilize modern technologies in warfare. The operation at the Kirovske airfield serves as further evidence that Ukrainian forces continue to actively counter Russian aggression and inflict significant losses on the enemy.

Thus, thanks to the efforts of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, the situation on the front remains dynamic, and the Ukrainian military continues to implement its strategic plans aimed at restoring control over occupied territories. This attack on Crimea underscores the importance of unmanned technologies in modern warfare and their role in ensuring the security of Ukraine.