UCAV shaped and sized as a Russian S-70 spotted over Ukraine

Russian S-70 Okhotnik, a heavy-strike stealth drone, might have taken its debut flight in a real-time combat scenario over Ukraine. This development came to light through photographs of the drone soaring in Ukrainian airspace, shared by Ukrainian telegram channels and subsequently highlighted by Turkish media. The drone was reported to be operational in the Sumy region. 

UCAV shaped and sized as a Russian S-70 spotted over Ukraine
Screenshot

Experts speculate that the drone might have targeted Ukrainian military facilities in the Sumy region. This high-tech weapon’s involvement adds a new dimension to the conflict. 

In a related development, Ukrainian media reported hearing explosions in Sumy and Kremenchuk in the Poltava region on June 27. The reports sparked a wave of speculation about whether these were the first-time effects of the Okhotnik drone’s operation.

Is it true?

A drone image, shared on the Mash Telegram Channel, seems to feature Russia’s Okhotnik [Hunter] drone. There are reportedly two of these drones currently undergoing flight tests. 

Janes, citing RIA Novosti, reported in June 2022 that the S-70B Okhotnik successfully tested precision-guided munitions [PGMs] against ground targets on May 28, 2022. The drone carried out an air-to-surface missile launch, similar to the Sukhoi Su-57. 

Janes suggests the missile used could be the Kh-59Mk2 standoff cruise missile, a development from the Kh-59-series heavy tactical missile. The Kh-59Mk2 is believed to reach targets at least 150 miles away and can carry a 500lb warhead. Its design allows for multiple configurations. 

In February 2020, Izvestia reported that the Grom [Thunder] 9-A-7759 glide bomb has been integrated with the Okhotnik, enabling the drone to carry four Groms in its internal bomb bay. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on this report.

Two prototypes

Emerging from the depths of open source data, it’s revealed that Russia has been hard at work testing not one, but two Okhotnik prototypes. With two more in the pipeline, it’s clear that Russia is stepping up its game in the drone warfare arena.

Imagine a drone with a non-stealthy circular exhaust making its first flight. That’s exactly what happened with the first Okhotnik prototype on August 3, 2019, marking a milestone in Russia’s drone development. 

Fast forward to February 2021, and we get a peek into the Russian military-industrial complex. A source whispered to RIA Novosti that the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant Chkalov [NAZ] is crafting three additional heavy drones S-70 Okhotnik prototypes. “Three more S-70 UAVs are on the NAZ assembly line, poised to join flight tests in 2022-2023,” the source revealed in hushed tones. 

The second prototype is a testament to Russia’s capacity for innovation, featuring aerodynamic enhancements and upgraded electronics, all thanks to lessons learned from the first Okhotnik. As for the third and fourth drones? “They will mirror the final production model of the Okhotnik,” the source assured us. 

Russia begins stealth S-70 Okhotnik production with flat jet nozzle
Photo credit: YouTube

March 2021 brought news of the second Okhotnik prototype’s construction. This high-tech marvel promised improved electronics, advanced software, and a shaped nozzle for superior rear-aspect stealth. Fast forward to December 14, 2021, and we find Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko announcing on Russia-24 TV channel that a contract for the S-70 “Okhotnik” was due within six months. The cherry on top? A state-of-the-art control center exclusively for this trailblazing drone.

Operational use

As the summer of 2022 rolled in, the second prototype of the mighty S-70 Okhotnik drone took flight, marking a significant milestone in Russia’s advanced weaponry. 

Speculations are rife that Russia might have already strategically positioned two Okhotnik drones for operational use. What’s more intriguing is the possibility of two more prototypes, which were under the hammer in 2021, joining the league. They might be on the brink of deployment, or perhaps, they’re already out there, silently prowling the skies.

The Combination of UAV S-70 and Su-57 Turns the Latter Into a Fighter of the 5 + Gen
Photo credit: YouTube

Su-57 and S-70

A Su-57 fighter jet pilot could also control a fleet of Okhotniks, Russia’s stealth drones, as stated by Russian officials. As per Andrey Yelchaninov of the Russian Military-Industrial Commission, the interaction between these machines could lead to a future where a single Su-57 pilot can manage multiple drones. 

Su-57's AESA isn't dangerous to F-35, but the passive sensors are
Photo credit: Getty Images

The Su-57 stealth fighter and the S-70 heavy stealth drone, despite their differences, have complementary designs that enhance their combined strength. The Su-57, designed to counter US F-22 Raptor and F-35 stealth fighters, lacks the radio frequency stealth to infiltrate enemy airspace. However, it offers stealth capabilities and can detect and confront US stealth fighters with its sensor suite. 

The Okhotnik drone, on the other hand, exhibits stealth characteristics on par with the F-22 and F-35. Weighing 20 to 25 tons, it can carry a significant weapons load. While it is vulnerable to ambushes from manned enemy fighters, pairing it with the Su-57 creates a formidable attack duo.

Planning

The Okhotnik is a major challenge for Ukrainians due to Western radar and air defense systems’ difficulty in dealing with stealth targets. While the British Storm Shadow cruise missile is stealthy, Russian radar and defense systems can still detect it. This is often due to terrain masking and smart routing, a sign of Russian prowess. 

The Okhotnik is unique. It can infiltrate fortified enemy airspace, launch solo attacks, or provide necessary targeting information to a supporting Su-57 fighter or missile battery. When teamed with a Su-57 fighter, the Okhotnik becomes more powerful, potentially surpassing cruise missiles in striking deep enemy targets. In this partnership, the Su-57 is the planner, while the Okhotnik is the executor. 

S-70 Okhotnik will fly in the perfect vacuum beyond Earth - Russia
Photo credit: TASS

Russia’s Ministry of Defense plans to build a fleet of Okhotniks in its western and southern military districts by 2024. This could dramatically alter the power dynamics in the future.

Chance to test

The Okhotnik drone is likely in use in Ukraine, giving Russia a chance to test it in real-world conditions. The drone’s distinctive circular exhaust, characteristic of the first prototype, was seen in a recent photo. This prototype has been in flight testing since 2019. 

If the first prototype were lost, it wouldn’t greatly affect trade secrets or development. It isn’t expected to work hand in hand with the Su-57, as needed technology would be in the second prototype. 

Russian Ministry of Defence Released a Video of First UAV Okhotnik Flight
Photo credit: YouTube

If the Okhotnik infiltrates Ukrainian airspace undetected, Russia may speed up the drone’s production. Considering Russia’s strong military resources and Ukraine’s dependence on Western weapons, it could potentially tip the scales in Russia’s favor.

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