[17] The price for one system (including 2 drones, a portable launch complex, a control station and a set of spare parts) was reportedly 5 million rubles ($150,000) in 2013.

[20][21] In 2023, reports stated that components made in Ireland[22] and STMicroelectronics microchips were found in Orlan drones, in spite of the sanctions regime imposed on Russia.

In July 2023, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu stated that the supplies of Orlan-10 and -30 drones had surged 53 times since early 2022.

[11] Ukrainian officials have claimed to have had shot down or captured several UAVs of this type since 2014: An upgraded strike version of the Orlan-10 able to carry four high-explosive fragmentation projectiles was reportedly used in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Alternative drones were employed to fill the Orlan-10's role, but they are difficult to procure due to dependence on components originating from countries that have imposed sanctions.

[44] However, in July 2023, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu stated that the supplies of Orlan-10 and -30 drones had surged 53 times since early 2022.

[46] The Orlan-10 is being actively used by the Russian Ground Forces in the Syrian Civil War for either reconnaissance, collecting aerial imagery or 3D-mapping in support of humanitarian convoys and S&R operations.

[54] On 16 July 2022, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara shot down an Orlan-10 in Ménaka Region operated by Wagner Group.

[56] Data from [citation needed]General characteristics Performance Avionics Orlan UAVs are operated by a mobile Ground Control Station (GCS) normally in an container of an miliary vehicle like the MP32M1.

This telemetrie link also lets the Orlan share details of its behaviour with the operator like altitude, speed, bearing and fuel levels.

These Orlan receivers may also be tuneable to the PNT signals from the European Galileo and VR China's Beidou constellations (frequencies range 1.1 – 1.6 GHz).

[62] In 2024 there were reports that the Russian UAVs were being controlled using the traditional radio navigation technology in order not to have to use a disturbed satellite signal.