The Orion is a U.S. military surveillance aircraft. Known for its long-endurance reconnaissance role, supporting intelligence and maritime patrol operations across multiple theaters. Recently, Russian-operated Orion drones have been reported destroyed in Crimea amid Ukrainian strike operations. Last updated Jul 9th, 2026
Onboard footage from Kerch Airfield shows Ukrainian FP-2 drones destroying three Russian Orion surveillance drones during an overnight swarm attack on Crimea. One Orion was hit while taxiing back from a mission.
U.S. Navy EOD divers swept the Orion capsule for hazardous materials before extracting the Artemis II crew from the Pacific Ocean off San Diego yesterday. The operation was conducted aboard the USS John P. Murtha.
