Algeria becomes the first African country to purchase the Russian Orion aircraft.

The Algerian Ministry of National Defense announced the purchase of the Russian Orion drone.

The long-range aircraft was being developed by the Kronshtadt Group, also known as the Inokhodets project.

With this development, Algeria becomes the first African and foreign country to acquire the Russian long-range Orion reconnaissance aircraft.

The official confirmation came from the Algerian Ministry of Defense after the aircraft was spotted being used during Algerian army maneuvers called «Hurricane».

Advantages of the Orion aircraft

The Orion aircraft is distinguished by its advanced long-range reconnaissance capabilities, with a range of approximately 1,440 kilometers when operating autonomously or via satellite communication.

Its control range is approximately 300 kilometers when using a signal relay device.

In its combat version, the aircraft can carry a payload of up to 250 kilograms.

The Orion-E falls under the MALE category of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and was developed by the Russian company Kronstadt to carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as to conduct strikes.

The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 1000 kilograms, while its payload ranges between 200 and 250 kilograms via internal and external suspension points.

Its wingspan is 16 meters, its length is 8 meters, and it relies on a rear-mounted propulsion engine that allows it to fly for a period ranging between 24 and 30 hours.

Operational advantages

Operationally, the Orion-E occupies a position close to the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drone, but it has a larger airframe and a different avionics system.

The data also indicates that the Algerian version is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensing tower for target detection, in addition to a laser designator for guiding light ammunition.