The latest Orion-E reconnaissance drone will be capable of operating at a far greater range after it gets satellite communications, Kronshtadt Company CEO Sergei Bogatikov told TASS on Thursday.

The Orion-E drone with a satellite system was demonstrated at the Army-2021 international military-technical forum outside Moscow in late August.

"This helps considerably expand its operational range and get data from this vehicle in any point of the world when necessary," the chief executive said.

A satellite system allows transmitting data and controlling the drone, he explained.

At present, the Orion-E can be controlled via a radio channel at a range of 250 km. The Orion is a medium-altitude, long-duration unmanned aerial system with a maximum take-off weight of 1 tonne and a maximum payload weight of 200 kg.

According to the data of Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport (within the Rostec corporation), Russia is currently offering the drone for exports as an air reconnaissance system. At the same time, Orion drones in their strike version are arriving for Russian troops.