Amid the international economic sanctions imposed by several Western countries over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Russia has still managed to sell its latest SuperCam reconnaissance drones beyond its borders. According to TASS news agency, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus have purchased the SuperCam S250 series directly from the Russian Ministry of Defense. These sales occurred just over a month ago.
“Recently, the production capacity of the plant allows for serial deliveries not just for the Russian Armed Forces, but also for the needs of the CSTO,” stated the Unmanned Systems Group, the manufacturer of the drones. In just three years, the production volumes of SuperCam drones have increased tenfold, according to a representative of the manufacturer.
Kyrgyzstan, along with these three nations, has also placed a second order for another Russian reconnaissance drone, the Orlan-10. This delivery was announced by the general designer of the Center for Special Technologies [CST]. Most of these supplies are managed through the Russian Ministry of Defense, which receives the reconnaissance drones and then transfers them to allies. Future operators from these nations come to Russia for training, noted Roman Ivanov.
Interestingly, besides the four nations near Russia, Pakistan has also entered the market for similar drones. Reports from August indicate that Pakistan has been observing its border with India using SuperCam S350 drones. These drones are designed for various missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and border security. They can also monitor infrastructure and support scientific research, boasting a maximum flight duration of up to 10 hours and a range of 200 kilometers.
The SuperCam S350 has electro-optical and infrared cameras for day and night operations, a laser rangefinder, and multispectral sensors. It launches via catapult and lands with a parachute. Crafted from lightweight composite materials, it excels in extended missions across diverse conditions.
Purchased by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, the SuperCam S350 also stands out with impressive features. Produced by the Russian Unmanned Systems Group, this drone is tailored for medium to long-range autonomous flights, serving military, scientific, and civilian needs. As a fixed-wing drone, it epitomises versatility and reliability in various applications.
The SuperCam S250 drone can stay aloft for up to 4 hours and has an operational range of 150 kilometers, making it ideal for surveillance missions. It’s launched via a catapult and lands using a parachute system, which means it can be deployed in various terrains and weather conditions.
When it comes to equipment, this drone can be outfitted with a variety of payloads tailored to the mission’s requirements. Typically, it carries electro-optical and infrared cameras that work both day and night, delivering high-quality real-time imagery.
These cameras are mounted in stabilised nacelles to reduce shake, ensuring smooth footage even in challenging weather. Beyond standard cameras, the SuperCam S250 can also be equipped with multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, making it suitable for scientific research and precision agriculture.
