Ethiopia has officially confirmed that it has acquired Russian-made Orion-E unmanned aerial vehicles, signaling a notable step in strengthening its aerial surveillance and strike capabilities. The announcement is significant as it represents the first verified export success of the Orion unmanned aerial system developed by Russia. Defense analysts view this acquisition as part of Ethiopia’s broader effort to modernize its air power and enhance situational awareness across its territory.

The Orion-E UAVs were displayed at the Aviation Expo 2026 held in Addis Ababa, where Russia showcased the system at its national stand. The presence of these platforms at the exhibition clearly demonstrated that Ethiopia had already procured the drones. The showcased configurations highlighted the system’s flexibility, featuring advanced sensor packages and weapon integration options suitable for both intelligence-gathering and precision strike missions.

The Orion-E was developed by Kronshtadt Group and conducted its maiden flight in 2016. Since then, the platform has been employed by Russian armed forces in various operational environments, gaining real-world combat experience. Equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors, the Orion-E is capable of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition missions, while also supporting guided munitions for selective strike operations.

According to Russian promotional materials, the Orion-E can operate at altitudes of up to 7,500 meters and achieve an endurance exceeding 24 hours, depending on payload configuration. These performance characteristics place the system in the same category as comparable Western MALE-class UAVs. Experts believe that the introduction of Orion-E UAVs will significantly enhance Ethiopia’s ability to monitor vast areas, conduct border security operations, and perform precision engagements when required. Nevertheless, the system’s battlefield performance continues to be closely evaluated internationally, particularly in light of losses observed in recent high-intensity conflicts.