Russian Drone with an American Heart: The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Examines the Inside of the Orion UAV

Experts from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine have thoroughly examined the internal components of the Russian Orion strike and reconnaissance drone.

The detailed analysis of its parts was published on war-sanctions, the official website of the Defence Intelligence.

The inspection revealed that American companies manufactured a large portion of the drone’s internal components, while components of Russian origin accounted for only a small fraction.

In other words, the drone’s internal systems are almost entirely made from foreign components.

Among the identified parts are components from Germany (by Infineon Technologies, a transistor manufacturer), Switzerland (flash memory and a 32-bit processor), France (a locally made transistor), and Japan (a DC power line filter).

Despite this, the drone’s fuselage and overall structure are manufactured in Russia. The main producer of these drones is the company JSC “Kronshtadt.” JSC NPK SPP produces the gyro-stabilized optoelectronic targeting and observation system (MOES), although its internal components are sourced from foreign manufacturers.

The drone’s power unit is built around the APD-115T aircraft piston engine produced by LLC Itlan. A generator drive gearbox from JSC Reduktor-PM provides mechanical power to the generator and supplies energy to the onboard electrical system.

The distribution and control of electrical power are handled by the power supply control and distribution unit developed by JSC Aeroelektromash. Their starter power control device supports engine startup.

Thrust is generated by a variable-pitch propeller manufactured by JSC NPP Aerosila, with the propeller pitch control mechanism supplied by JSC ODK-Star.

The transmission of electrical signals and power to the rotating parts of the propeller (including the blade-heating and pitch-control systems) is carried out via a slip ring manufactured by JSC NPP Aerosila.

Militarnyi previously reported that in September 2025, the Topot unit from the 414th Unmanned Systems Brigade shot down a Russian Orion strike and reconnaissance UAV using an interceptor drone.