Eleron-3 is a Russian short-range reconnaissance UAV family built by ENIKS for tactical optoelectronic surveillance and artillery-observation support. Public sources distinguish the baseline Eleron-3/T-23 from the Eleron-3SV/T-28 military configuration, a compact electric flying-wing system launched from a starting unit and recovered by parachute, with documented use in Russian-linked operations in Ukraine and Syria.
InformNapalm, UNIAN/Kyiv Post, and Defense Express document Russian Eleron/Eleron-3SV UAVs in the Donbas and later southern Ukraine, including transfer evidence, downed or intercepted airframes, and reported artillery-correction use.
Role detailsOryx and CAST document an Eleron-3SV in Syria in July 2015 near Arafit/Latakia; the sources support pro-government/Russian-associated use while leaving open whether the aircraft was Russian-operated or supplied to Syrian government forces.
Role detailsThe Eleron-3SV is a small electric reconnaissance system rather than a strike drone. Source-backed descriptions emphasize optoelectronic observation, target-coordinate reporting through GPS/GLONASS navigation, launch from a starting unit, and parachute recovery.
Russian aviation coverage identifies Eleron-3/T-23 as the earlier compact observation UAV with interchangeable optical, infrared, relay, and electronic payload options.
The Eleron-3SV/T-28 was selected for Russian ground-forces close reconnaissance after 2012 state tests, with improved communications and a larger payload allowance than the baseline model.
Ukraine-focused OSINT and news sources document Eleron/Eleron-3SV airframes in Russian-linked Donbas and southern Ukraine use; Syria sources document a July 2015 Latakia Eleron-3SV while caveating operator attribution.
Public Russian sources identify the baseline Eleron-3/T-23 as the earlier remote-observation UAV and the Eleron-3SV/T-28 as the military close-range reconnaissance configuration selected for Russian ground forces after 2012 state tests.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eleron-3SV | Military short-range reconnaissance configuration | Russian defense and aviation press describe Eleron-3SV/T-28 as a close-range aerial reconnaissance system modernized from the baseline Eleron-3 for Russian ground forces, with improved communications, a flying-wing airframe, and a compact field kit. Sources: Army Standard Eleron Family, RIA Eleron-3SV Procurement, AviaPort Eleron State Tests |
Russian defense and aviation press says the Eleron-3SV and larger Eleron-10SV completed state tests in 2012 and were accepted for supply to Russian ground forces.
Sources: Army Standard Eleron Family, RIA Eleron-3SV Procurement
RIA Novosti reported a Russian Ministry of Defence contract with ENIKS for 17 Eleron-3SV complexes, covering 34 UAVs for delivery by the end of 2014.
Sources: RIA Eleron-3SV Contract
Oryx reported an Eleron-3SV crash near Arafit in Latakia Governorate, and CAST later identified the July 2015 Latakia loss as an Eleron-3SV while caveating operator attribution.
Sources: Oryx Syria Eleron-3SV, CAST Russian UAVs in Syria
InformNapalm published Donbas imagery and geolocation claims connecting an Eleron-3SV launch site to Russian/proxy forces in occupied Donetsk Oblast.
Sources: InformNapalm Donetsk Eleron
Defense Express reported Atesh-sourced documents describing Eleron-3 transfers to Russian Dnepr grouping units operating in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia sectors.
Sources: Defense Express Eleron-3 Transfers
Ukraine's GUR War & Sanctions database listed Eleron-3 as a reconnaissance UAV and associated it with ENIKS JSC and declared technical characteristics.
Sources: War & Sanctions Eleron-3
