Rosoboronexport Promotes Orlan-30 Drone

Rosoboronexport has started exporting 15 new military products, including the Orlan-30, a rare UAV that Ukraine claims it shot in August.

"In 2022, Rosoboronexport has launched a global marketing campaign for 15 new military products developed and manufactured in Russia. Its export catalog was replenished with products for the Air Force, Navy, Ground Forces, Air Defense Forces as well as with UAV countermeasures. Market launch of new products significantly increases the competitiveness of Russian arms and strengthens the position of our country on the global market," said Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev. “Among the long-awaited novelties are the Orlan-30 UAV, Ballista remote-controlled weapon station module, Chukavin sniper rifle, UAV countermeasures systems, new underwater weapons, communications equipment, training simulators, motor and armored vehicles."

New Russian equipment and weapons for which export permits have been issued will be presented by Rosoboronexport at international defense exhibitions, during meetings and negotiations with partners, and on fast-growing digital platforms. The company has agreements with most manufacturers to jointly promote products in foreign markets.

The Orlan-30 UAV system developed and manufactured by the Special Technology Center is a further evolution of the Orlan-10 UAV. Rostec said the “the Orlan-30” proved its capabilities in real combat conditions.

Russia appears to have turned its focus on drone production owing to their success in recent conflicts, including the ongoing one in Ukraine. It has requested Iran for Shahed drones and joint production of these drones is also said to be on the cards.

The Orlan-30 is intended for aerial reconnaissance, search, detection and recognition of objects in the visible or infrared range. In addition, when equipped with a mission payload, it provides target designation for precision-guided weapons for destroying fixed and moving targets day and at night.

The Ballista remote-controlled weapon station is designed for mounting on armored personnel carriers. It is equipped with a 30-mm automatic cannon and a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun as well as with two ATGMs. The station is fitted with a combined sight with a TV camera, thermal imager and laser rangefinder capable of detecting and identifying targets day and night. In addition, the Ballista is equipped with a back-up sight, which significantly increases its combat capabilities.

Besides, the promotion of the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) with a new remote-controlled weapon station, developed by High Precision Systems holding company, has begun. The vehicle was unveiled as part of Rostec's exhibit at the Army 2022 International Military and Technical Forum.

The vehicle is equipped with a 100-mm gun/launcher, a 30-mm automatic cannon and a 7.62-mm machine gun. Owing to its powerful armament, the IFV is capable of providing fire support to infantry, including afloat, effectively engaging manpower, lightly armored targets like IFVs and APCs, tanks and other targets with enhanced protection, as well as low-speed air targets, including helicopters.

In 2022, Rosoboronexport added new drone countermeasures to its export catalog. Among others is the RB-504P-E electronic warfare system, which provides highly effective detection, identification, and direction finding of UAVs, as well as jamming of their navigation and control links.

Rosoboronexport has started promoting modern simulators developed by Rostec’s subsidiaries for training the crews of the IL-78MK-90A tanker aircraft and the IL-76MD-90A(E) military transport aircraft. In addition, the company got the opportunity to offer foreign partners a new automated artillery fire control system, a radio signal monitoring system, a heliborne ground surveillance radar system, K-5350 motor vehicle with a protected cabin, Podlet-K1KE radar station, communications equipment and small arms.