Russia tests latest Sirius and Orion drones in joint reconnaissance.

PATRIOT PARK /Moscow Region/, August 19. /TASS/. Russia has tested Sirius and Orion unmanned aerial vehicles as part of a reconnaissance/strike system operating jointly with piloted aircraft, the press office of the Kronshtadt tech firm told TASS at the Army 2022 international military-technical forum on August 19.

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Orion-E showcased during MAKS 2019 (Picture source: Air Recognition)

"Our Sirius and Orion unmanned aerial vehicles are capable of operating as part of a reconnaissance/strike system together with piloted aircraft. The tests have already been held," the press office said.

The capability to interact with piloted aircraft implies joint reconnaissance/strike operations where a drone ferrets out and strikes uncovered ground and naval targets acting as an operational vehicle with striking power. Meanwhile, manned aircraft mostly perform the functions of attack vehicles to strike targets reconnoitered by drones.

As was reported earlier, mass deliveries of new Sirius drones to the Russian troops are set to begin in 2023.

A full-size mock-up of the Sirius five-tonne drone with a one-tonne payload was shown for the first time at the MAKS-2019 International Aviation and Space Salon. (Picture source: Air Recognition)

The Sirius (the Inokhodets-RU experimental design work) is a follow-up of the project of Orion drones. The Sirius is outfitted with two engines, has an increased take-off weight and can carry a bigger payload.

The Sirius will be serial-produced at the first special production facility built by Kronshtadt in Dubna (a hi-tech hub near Moscow) for the manufacture of large-size unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Army 2022 international military-technical forum organized by Russia’s Defense Ministry is running from August 15 to 21 on the premises of the Patriot Park near Moscow, at the Alabino practice range and the Kubinka airfield, and also in all of Russia’s Military Districts and on the Northern Fleet, in more than 30 Russian regions.

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