Russia Begins Deploying Orion Inokhodets Drones to Counter Attacks by Unmanned Surface Vessels.

According to information published by Russian media on March 2, 2025, the Russian Navy has begun utilizing the Orion UAV system, also known as Inokhodets, for reconnaissance and strike missions to protect its anchored warships. The system is specifically designed to patrol surrounding waters and defend against threats such as unmanned surface vessels (USVs), which have become a growing concern for naval security. Traditionally, helicopters were tasked with securing naval vessels at anchor. Still, with the installation of air defense systems on Russian warships, the need for more advanced, autonomous systems like the Inokhodets became increasingly apparent.
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Orion (Inokhodets) aerial drone on display at a Defense Exhibition in Russia, showcasing its advanced reconnaissance and strike capabilities for modern military operations. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

Recent reports have highlighted the operational use of the Inokhodets drone, which demonstrated its capability to engage and destroy a kamikaze-style boat approaching a naval target using precision-guided munitions. This reinforces the increasing importance of unmanned aerial systems in modern naval defense, offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible alternative to traditional manned aircraft. The Inokhodets can operate autonomously or under remote control, enabling continuous surveillance of key maritime zones without depleting valuable aviation resources. This capability allows piloted aircraft to be allocated to other critical missions, optimizing overall operational efficiency.

The Inokhodets is equipped with advanced reconnaissance and strike capabilities, making it an ideal choice for the Russian Navy's evolving defense needs. A key feature of its weapons control system is the integration of the Kh-UAV multi-purpose tactical missile. This missile system was developed by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau and is based on the highly successful 9M133FM-3 missile from the Kornet-D anti-tank guided missile system, as well as the 9M133M-2 missile used for anti-tank warfare. These precision-guided munitions provide the Inokhodets with the capability to engage both air and surface targets effectively, making it a versatile asset in modern naval combat.

The Inokhodets UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system, also known as the Orion in its export version, was first unveiled to the public in 2018. The drone was developed by the Kronshtadt Company to meet the growing demand for a UAV capable of both reconnaissance and strike missions. This versatile system was designed to serve multiple military branches, including the Russian Army and Navy, offering modularity to integrate different payloads depending on the mission requirements. Over the years, it has undergone extensive testing and refinement, proving its operational capabilities in various combat and reconnaissance scenarios.

By late 2020, the Inokhodets was officially incorporated into the Russian Armed Forces, including its naval units. Its entry into service marked a significant milestone in Russia’s development of unmanned systems and expanded the tactical capabilities of the Russian military. The system was specifically designed to provide surveillance over vast areas and protect strategic assets from a variety of threats.

The integration of the Inokhodets into naval operations has proven particularly beneficial for the Russian Navy, as it provides a flexible, low-cost solution for patrolling maritime zones. Unlike traditional manned aircraft, which require significant operational resources and pose risks to personnel, drones like the Inokhodets can operate autonomously for extended periods, conducting continuous surveillance with minimal human intervention. This is particularly advantageous in protecting naval assets from increasingly sophisticated threats such as USVs, which can pose a serious risk to warships in port or anchored at sea.

The Inokhodets is equipped with several key features that enhance its effectiveness as a reconnaissance and strike platform. The drone is fitted with high-resolution electro-optical and infrared cameras, which provide real-time intelligence for operators. Its long endurance and substantial operational range allow it to cover large maritime areas and maintain surveillance for extended periods, providing persistent coverage of sensitive zones such as naval bases or critical chokepoints. Its ability to operate discreetly, thanks to a relatively low radar profile, makes it suitable for a variety of anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare roles.

The drone is capable of carrying out both autonomous and remotely controlled missions, with pre-programmed flight paths and real-time adjustments. This allows for a high degree of flexibility, making the Inokhodets useful in dynamic combat environments, where swift decision-making is required.

The Inokhodets' integration into the Russian Navy’s defense infrastructure reflects a broader trend in modern military operations, where unmanned systems are increasingly deployed for high-risk, low-cost tasks. These drones provide continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities, offering significant advantages in defending against threats in complex and contested environments. The combination of precision strike capabilities, advanced surveillance technology, and operational flexibility positions the Inokhodets as a critical asset in the Russian Navy’s evolving defense strategy.

As the Russian military continues to enhance its use of unmanned systems like the Inokhodets, the drone is expected to play an even more prominent role in defending naval assets and supporting broader security operations at sea. Its ability to operate independently or in coordination with manned aircraft and other defense systems offers a valuable force multiplier, ensuring that Russian naval forces maintain a strategic advantage in both peacetime and combat scenarios. This development is part of Russia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities and adapt to emerging threats in a rapidly changing global security landscape.