S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter) Autonomous Fighter

Russia Unmanned Aerial System

30-03-2025

The S-70 has been under development since at least 2011, with sources offering differing assessments of its current stage of progress. Reports indicate that Russia has deployed the unmanned fighter jet in Ukraine on multiple occasions. On October 4, 2024, a Russian fighter jet shot down an S-70 after it lost contact with ground control while flying toward Ukrainian airspace. It is believed that this was to prevent Ukraine and its allies from gaining access to information about the unmanned system.

(Credit: The War Zone)

Basic Weapon Facts

I. Background

Manufacturer: Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association Plant (part of Sukhoi) & MiG
Suppliers: Unknown
Country of origin: Russia
Developmental stage: Estimates range from preliminary testing to nearly ready-for-service (2023)
System version: Based on the Mikoyan Skat and Su-57 fighter jet
System type: Unmanned Fighter Jet

II. General Specifications

System dimensions: Wingspan: 20 m; length: 13-14 m; height: 2.8-3.6 m
Weight: Approximately 20,000 kg
Max payload: 2,000 kg
Max operating time: Unknown
Max operating Distance/Reach: 6,000 km (unarmed)
Max speed: 1,000 km/h

III. Autonomy

Autonomous Targeting capabilities: The S-70 is reportedly capable of conducting reconnaissance, seek and destroy, and engaging aerial targets autonomously. The tasks are set by ground-based operators and, when airborne, by Su-57 pilots before initiating an attack.

Coordination with Su-57 Pilots: The S-70 is designed to operate in coordination with Su-57 fighters. The system allegedly autonomously flies alongside a Su-57 and can be directed by pilots to execute high-risk attacks.

Training Function: Reports indicate that the S-70 has a “training function”, entailing a capacity to transmit data about its mission to improve future functionality.

Sources:

Manufacturer websites:
Not on the website.
News reports:
- “Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B Hunter: Russia’s Next-Generation Combat Drone Has Arrived” (The National Interest)
- "Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B" (Global Security)
- "Siberian' S-70 'Hunter' finishes trials, it enters to service" (Bulgarian Military)
- "How Good Is Russia’s New Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B 'Hunter' Stealth Drone?" (The National Interest)
Footage:
- "Первый полет новейшего беспилотного летательного аппарата «Охотник»" (The first flight of the newest unmanned vehicle "Okhotnik") (YouTube)
- "Unmanned aerial vehicle "Okhotnik" made the first joint flight with a fifth-generation fighter Su-57" (With a Su-57) (YouTube)

(Credit: Russian social media)

(Credit: Bulgarian military)