Ethiopia buys Russian Orion-E reconnaissance and strike drones
Ethiopia has confirmed the acquisition of Russian-made Orion-E reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicles, marking the first verified export of the Orion drone system, according to aircraft displayed at Aviation Expo 2026.
A Russian Orion-E unmanned aerial vehicle was shown in the Ethiopian Air Force exhibition area during the event, confirming that Addis Ababa has acquired the system from Russia. The drone was presented as part of the Orion-E export complex, which includes the aircraft, ground control station, and support equipment.
The Orion-E is the export variant of the Orion medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Russia鈥檚 Kronshtadt Group. The system conducted its first flight in 2016 and has since been fielded by Russian forces in combat operations, including deployments in Syria and Ukraine. Ethiopia鈥檚 acquisition represents the first publicly confirmed case of the Orion platform being exported to a foreign customer.
According to open-source analysts, the Orion system has been used by Russian forces for reconnaissance, target acquisition, and strike missions using guided munitions. Independent defense monitoring group Oryx has documented the loss of at least nine Orion drones during Russia鈥檚 war in Ukraine, based on visually confirmed evidence.
The drone displayed in Ethiopia appeared to be configured in a reconnaissance and strike role, consistent with the Orion-E鈥檚 advertised capabilities. The platform is designed to carry electro-optical and infrared sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, as well as guided air-to-ground weapons for precision strikes. Russian promotional materials describe the Orion-E as capable of operating at altitudes of up to 7,500 meters, with endurance exceeding 24 hours, depending on payload.
The Orion family occupies a role similar to Western systems such as the MQ-1 Predator, providing persistent surveillance and limited strike capability. In Russian service, the drone has been used to identify targets for artillery and missile strikes, as well as to conduct direct attacks using small precision-guided munitions.
The appearance of the Orion-E in Ethiopian markings indicates that Russia has moved from domestic use to international sales of the system, despite ongoing sanctions and export restrictions. Until now, no confirmed foreign operator of the Orion platform had been publicly identified, even though Russia has promoted the Orion-E at international arms exhibitions for several years.
Russia has continued to seek export markets for its unmanned systems as part of its broader defense-industrial strategy, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The Orion-E has been marketed as a lower-cost alternative to Western MALE drones, with fewer political restrictions attached to sales and employment.
The system鈥檚 combat record, however, has been mixed. While Russian officials have promoted the Orion as a proven platform, documented losses in Ukraine highlight vulnerabilities to modern air defenses and electronic warfare. Oryx data indicates that multiple Orion drones were destroyed or damaged by Ukrainian forces, underscoring the risks faced by medium-altitude UAVs in contested airspace.
Despite these losses, Russia has continued to produce and promote the Orion family, including upgraded variants and export configurations. The Orion-E is advertised with modified avionics and communications systems tailored for foreign customers, though detailed specifications remain limited.