April 3, 2026
Ukrainian forces targeted a key UAV hub at Kirovske airfield, reportedly destroying four Orion drones along with radar and aircraft assets
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, in coordination with the Defense Intelligence, have carried out a precision strike against russian drone base at the Kirovske airfield in temporarily occupied Crimea. The operation targeted infrastructure used to deploy some of russia’s most advanced unmanned aerial systems.
According to a statement released on April 2 by the Unmanned Systems Forces commander Major Robert Madyar Brovdi, the strike hit both the base and the pre-flight preparation site of Orion-class unmanned aerial vehicles. Described as a “courtesy visit”, the operation reportedly resulted in the complete destruction of the facility, which served as a hub for launching and maintaining these systems.
The Orion UAV, one of russia’s more capable reconnaissance-strike platforms, is designed for long-endurance missions and can remain airborne for up to 24 hours. With an operational range of approximately 250-300 kilometers and a service ceiling of up to 7.5 kilometers, it is capable of conducting deep reconnaissance and delivering precision-guided munitions, including missiles and bombs, with a payload of up to 250 kilograms.
The loss of such systems is significant. Ukrainian officials report that at least four Orion drones were destroyed in the strike, representing both a financial and operational setback. These UAVs are not only costly but also relatively scarce, making their attrition particularly impactful on russia’s ability to conduct sustained ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) and strike missions.
In addition to the drones, the strike reportedly destroyed the An-72P transport aircraft, a platform often used for logistics and potentially adapted for specialized roles. The elimination of such an aircraft further complicates russian efforts to maintain operational tempo and resupply forward-deployed assets in Crimea and the broader southern theater.
Another key target was mobile P-37 Mech two-coordinate radar system, designed for wide-area air surveillance. The destruction of this radar likely degrades local situational awareness and airspace monitoring capabilities, potentially creating exploitable gaps in russian air defense coverage in the region.
As Defense Express previously reported, pilots from the Strix unmanned systems unit have destroyed 14 pieces of russian military equipment and eliminated two personnel on the North Slobozhansk axis, according to footage released by Ukraine’s Magura 47th Brigade. The video showcases a series of precision drone strikes targeting artillery systems and support assets operating near the border region.
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