Russia's stealth drone dilemma: Mystery of missing S‑70 okhotnik

According to the Defence-Ua portal, the Russian army has most likely lost one of the few produced units of the S-70 Okhotnik. This is a new generation unmanned aerial vehicle designed in a flying wing configuration. This impressively sized machine utilises stealth technology and has probably been tested several times over Ukrainian territory.

Materials have started appearing online, initially believed to show the downing of a Russian Su-25. After considering additional details, a more credible version appeared that it might be the Su-34/35. However, it is quite possible that the recordings show the S-70 Okhotnik - highlights Defence-Ua.

If it is indeed the S-70 Okhotnik, the question arises under what circumstances was it shot down? It seems that the most likely scenario is one where Russian forces destroy their own equipment. Such a radical action could have been prompted by a drone malfunction. Losing control over the S-70 Okhotnik could mean the machine would fall into unauthorised hands, enabling the opponent to gain access to the tested technology.

The S-70 Okhotnik is a massive drone. It is a flying wing-type drone of considerable size, hence it is referred to as an unmanned aircraft. It has a wingspan of approximately 19 metres and a length of 14 metres. In its starting configuration, it weighs around 25,000 kilograms, with nearly 3,200 kilograms possibly allocated to weaponry.

The design of the S-70 Okhotnik incorporates technologies from the Su-57 aircraft, including the AL-41F1 engine. The S-70 Okhotnik reaches a maximum speed of about 1,400 kilometres per hour, with a cruising speed of around 900 kilometres per hour. It can operate at a maximum altitude of about 10,400 metres and has a range of up to 6,000 kilometres. Officially, Russia possesses only three units of this drone.