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Russia starts reconnaissance, monitoring drone flights over Arctic

Takhion drone during a military drill in northern Russia (Sputnik photo)

Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have begun carrying out reconnaissance and monitoring missions in the Arctic region, a military official says.

“Takhion and Eleron-3 unmanned aerial vehicles have been taking off into the skies of Murmansk region,” RT quoted the head of the Russia’s Northern Fleet press service, Vadim Serga, as saying on Wednesday.

Russia's Takhion drone (Photo from the Russian Defense Ministry website)

Both UAVs have a range of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) and are capable of capturing and transmitting video in day and night-time conditions.

Takhion, with a flight ceiling of up to the altitude of 13,100 feet (4,000 meters), is capable of operating in extreme weather conditions and can endure temperatures of up to -22F to +104F (-30C to +40C ). The high-tech UAV has also the capability of working as a radio repeater, receiving a weak or low-level signal and retransmitting it at a higher level or higher power to cover longer distances without degradation.

Russia's Eleron-3 drone (Photo from the Russian Defense Ministry website)

The 3.5-kilogram Eleron-3 drone can carry a 0.5-kilogram payload, including video, infrared, and still shot cameras, and a radio repeater. The drone is capable of remote pilot control and autonomous flight.

In December 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a new revised military doctrine, which prioritizes protection of the country’s national interests in the Arctic. 

In March, Russia launched massive military drills in the Arctic region, with the deployment of 8,000 troops, 110 aircraft, 50 surface ships, and submarines to the area.

SRK/AS/MHB

 


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