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
