The history of the J-22 “Orao” aircraft began in the 1970s, when Yugoslavia decided to develop a domestic military aircraft in collaboration with Romania. The project aimed to create a subsonic attack and reconnaissance aircraft capable of performing various combat tasks. The first prototype of the J-22 took flight on October 31, 1974.
The first version of the modernized J-22 was shown in 2015-2016, with R-60M missiles mounted on the wingtips and targeting optics visible under the fuselage.
Later in 2022-2023, new versions of the modernized J-22 (J-22M1A and NJ-22M1A) were presented, where the optical-electronic complex was moved to the nose of the aircraft.
I don’t have the source anymore as it was deleted as a web source, but I do remember something being said of it having an “L-150” something RWR. It could maybe be the L-150M-02.4 as the upgraded Serbian MiG-29SM+ uses those
For what I could know, it could be a different variant, as it was also shown with just a blue dome. This can be seen on some other weapons which looked different and had different specs but weren’t specified with changes
Another interesting thing. It looks like the J-22M1A uses the same HOTAS as the A-10C. However, there are few clear shots from the cockpit, only fragments.
Tangosix, which I would consider to be reliable, says
“RADEOM-1” (pictured left) has a camera and a range finder inside. Before that, there was a radar jammer in the container / Clip from the video material of the Ministry of Defense
Which leads me further to believe it might be a variant. Plenty other sources also say the RADEOM is some sort of jamming device, namely ECM.
Also somewhat related I guess, but the files show the RADEOM with the “cover” on.
Understandable. Also, perhaps it has those cameras as a testing device? The Orao displayed does not have the cameras like the M1A. Alas, that is just an assumption
Is the J22M1A going to get the R60MK? Correct me if I’m wrong but from what I know it could carry the R60MK’s on wing mounted pylons. There should be evidence on a Serbian news site called RTS which does talk about the J22 being able to carry them on wing mounted pylons.
A good source for the J-22 Orao is Arsenal 97 magazine. There is a PDF available online, if you can find it, since I cannot upload the copy I have.
Another important thing to note is that there is no official information indicating that the weapon pylons were changed on the modernized J-22M1A. Therefore, the modernized versions should logically be able to carry everything the older J-22 variants could carry, including weapons from existing stockpiles.
