Russia shot down its own ‘stealth’ drone

A prototype of Russia’s Hunter S-70 combat drone was shot down over the occupied Donetsk region, in what experts are calling a significant embarrassment for Moscow’s air force.

Footage circulating online shows the unmanned aircraft being hit by a missile mid-air before crashing to the ground.

Another missile can be seen fired from a separate aircraft, which military analysts believe was responsible for downing the drone.

In one of the most epic shoot down videos of the year, what was initially said to be a Russian Su-25, the jet downed this afternoon over Donetsk is now said to be either an Su-57 or an S-70, Russia’s most advanced unmanned $15,000,000 drone. pic.twitter.com/8E3McuUUm7

— KyivPost (@KyivPost) October 5, 2024

The incident, which occurred near the front lines in the Donetsk Oblast, has raised questions about the drone’s deployment in such a volatile area.

Likely answer: Russians lost control of “Hunter” Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B UCAV during test flight & order was given to shot it down. https://t.co/TIjvTSq1dQ

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 5, 2024

Military specialists, after examining images of the wreckage, concluded that the destroyed aircraft was likely a Russian Hunter S-70, a next-generation combat drone that was being tested. According to reports, the drone was shot down either due to a loss of control or deliberately after it malfunctioned during the test flight.

Justin Bronk, senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, called the incident a “stunningly embarrassing failure” for Russia. He pointed out that the fact the test flight occurred so close to the frontlines reveals poor decision-making.

Wow! It really does look like the VKS shot down its own Su-70 Okhotnik-B heavy combat UAV prototype in a friendly fire incident!
A stunningly embarrassing failure and one which also reveals they must have been conducting test flights near the front; possibly testing sensors or C2 https://t.co/AMfn7udwM5

— Justin Bronk (@Justin_Br0nk) October 5, 2024

Initially, some reports speculated that the downed aircraft was a Russian Su-25 jet, but further analysis revealed the drone’s distinct camouflage pattern, unlike those seen on Su-25s. Additional footage and photos confirmed the drone’s identity as the Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B.

This loss of a key prototype in such a public way is another blow to Russia’s military, which has already faced setbacks and logistical challenges in its war in Ukraine.

The S-70 itself

The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B, commonly referred to as “Hunter-B,” is a Russian stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Sukhoi and MiG.

Based on the earlier Mikoyan Skat and incorporating technologies from the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet, it is part of Russia’s sixth-generation aircraft project.

The drone has been in development since 2011, with its first flight taking place in August 2019. The UCAV is expected to complement Su-57 fighter jets, acting as a “loyal wingman,” and has undergone numerous tests, including autonomous operations and weapon trials. Serial production is planned for late 2024.

Development of the S-70 Okhotnik-B has progressed steadily over the years. After several initial tests in 2019, including flying alongside the Su-57, additional prototypes were built with modifications such as a flat jet nozzle to reduce radar and infrared signatures. The drone has been designed with a flying-wing configuration, incorporating composite materials and stealth coatings to minimise its radar cross-section. With a wingspan of about 20 metres and a weight of around 20 tons, the S-70 can achieve speeds up to 1,000 km/h while carrying its payload internally.

The S-70 Okhotnik-B has already seen some operational use, including reconnaissance missions during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. In July 2023, it was photographed flying over the Sumy region.

Designed primarily for reconnaissance and combat missions, the Okhotnik’s development aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of integrating advanced unmanned systems with manned fighter jets like the Su-57. The drone’s stealth features, combined with its large payload capacity and speed, make it a significant addition to Russia’s military arsenal. As production ramps up, the S-70 is expected to play a key role in future military operations, potentially changing the landscape of air combat.