Russian Airborne Troops To Get 20 Modern Combat Drones By Year-end

Russia's Airborne Troops will receive 20 modern unmanned aeiral vehicles (UAV) by this year end, the defense ministry in Moscow said Friday.

The delivery of modern aircraft comprises of -- roughly 20 multi-role Orlan, Eleron and Tahion UAV complexes, the release said, adding that they will be used during exercises in order to conduct air, optoelectronic, radio and radio-technical reconnaissance, and transmit target data to the means of fire and spotting means.

These UAV systems are equipped with replaceable modules with modern infrared photo and video cameras on gyroscope-stabilized rotating platform and rebroadcasting equipment.

Modern UAVs are capable of operating in midair from 2 to 18 hours and accomplish tasks at the altitudes ranging from several dozens to several thousand meters. And are capable to move at a speed of 40 to 160 km/h, and transmit the data to the operator at a distance up to 60 km.