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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

George Allison
George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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11 COMMENTS

  2. If it really did fall into Ukrainian held territory then there’s a chance it could soon end up in the US. “Just curious about how it works, Mr Putin…”

    • According to the article it is supposed to have stealth coatings. So either the prototype did not have the coating applied by design for reason or they are having problems with the coating, perhaps struggling to get it reliably fixed to the surface. I believe I am right in saying the USAF have in the past applied special procedures to avoid damage to such coatings. The Russians may be struggling to put together the necessary skills to properly look after such systems at scale..?

      Perhaps the production versions will have the coating applied..?

      However, the lack of a coating and the fact that they flew a prototype over enemy controlled territory suggests poor decision making on the Russian Air Force’s part as pointed out in the article. Prototypes by their very nature tend to be less reliable than a fully developed production variant – at least normally that would be the case.

      I think the whole episode speaks to Russian desperation… their reputation is in tatters.

      Cheers CR

  4. Opinion seems to suggest that this Drone was on a Combat Test accompanied by /working with an SU57 when a problem arose making it uncontrollable. The SU57 launched a Missile and shot it down to prevent it falling into Ukrainian territory, which also seems to have failed.

  5. ukraine could sell this to the US in exchange for more aid i’d imagine. wonder if they’d want it enough to allow US missiles to be used in russia.

    • Thanks for that, I just took a look, think everyone is safe but how embarrassing hitting a reef whilst surveying.

  7. “incorporating composite materials and stealth coatings” it’s got exposed rivets and is clearly aluminium skinned. Doesn’t look too stealthy to me.

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