Video
Putin’s fighter drone Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik is said to hunt fighter jets
The video from the military broadcaster shows the drone (right) next to the SU-57.
© PR
A detailed video shows the Russian S-70 stealth drone – strictly speaking, it is an unmanned fighter aircraft that is also supposed to take fighter jets from the sky as a fighter.
So far, combat drones have also been rather weak-winged birds, intended to fight opponents without significant air defense. Putin’s drone Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik, on the other hand, is an unmanned combat aircraft. It is supposed to accompany and support Russia stealth fighters in combat. In order for this to be possible, the drone must have the flight performance of a fighter jet. The nickname Okhotnik – hunter – suggests that it should be dangerous to other jets.
Rapid delivery
The first pictures of the stealth drone appeared in 2019, then it was shown at the International Defense Exhibition outside Moscow. The main purpose of the Okhotnik was to demonstrate what Russia’s defense industry is capable of. The S-70 is designed as a flying wing. This design leads to a small radar shadow. In addition, the ochotnik was provided with an anti-radar coating, the weapons are transported in shafts inside the missile.
The first drones are to be delivered in 2024. A prototype has now been presented in detail in a detailed report by TV Zvezda. The current model as well as the following are called “laboratory”, so it is not a pre-production model, but rather test platforms. Amazingly, it is not a small escort aircraft, in the broadcast the Stealthjet SU-57 is next to the drone and both aircraft are of comparable dimensions. The final version will probably work semi-autonomously, it will combine human control with AI and swarm intelligence. The internal equipment and weapon bays are only shown empty in the post. It is assumed, however, that the drone will be able to carry modules for electronic warfare and air-to-air missiles. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, the drone can carry weapons weighing 2,000 kilograms.
Role as a wingman
The S is intended to serve as a wingman for manned stealth jets. A group of SU-70s would complement the arsenal of the actual fighter jet, especially with long-range weapons. It is designed to expand the capabilities of the jet with specific radar systems, electronic warfare devices and weapons. Together with the SU-57, weapons with a very long range are to be used against air and ground targets, with the manned fighter being protected from enemy air defenses and enemy fighters by the drones.
Test as an interceptor
The S-70 could also function as an independent interceptor. Russia’s state media agency RIA Novosti reports that tests are already being carried out. “From the military airfield of the combat training center of the Russian aerospace forces on the Asuluk training ground, the Okhotnik carried out several flights with simulators of guided air-to-air missiles,” said RIA Novosti. “In the combat version of the drone, these missiles are designed to destroy enemy aircraft.”
A comparable drone is also being planned for the European FCAS fighter jet. But while Putin’s wingman is due to join the Russian armed forces in 2024, the FCAS and companions cannot be expected until around 2040.
Also read:
Silent and without radar shadows – Airbus is showing a stealth drone for the first time
Loyal Wingman – Boeing introduces the first pilotless combat aircraft
China shows robotic drone designed to fly kamikaze and combat missions