Russia reportedly loses cutting-edge S‑70 Okhotnik drone

The Russian army has apparently lost one of its unique machines, the new-generation S-70 Okhotnik drone, which is likely regularly tested in combat conditions on Ukrainian territory.

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 new-generation unmanned aerial vehicle is designed with a flying wing configuration. It is an impressively sized machine that uses stealth technology and has probably been tested several times in Ukrainian regions.

Materials have started appearing online, initially believed to show the downing of a Russian Su-25. After reviewing additional details, a more credible version seems to involve the Su-34/35, but Defence-Ua says it is quite possible that the recordings actually show the S-70 Okhotnik.

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

The S-70 Okhotnik is a massive machine. It is a flying wing-type drone of considerable size, and hence it is referred to as an unmanned aircraft. It has a wingspan of approximately 19 metres and a length of about 14 metres. In its initial 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. It reaches a maximum speed of 1,400 km/h and a cruising speed of about 900 km/h. It can operate at a maximum altitude of 10,300 metres and has a range of up to 6,000 kilometres. Officially, Russia possesses only three units of this machine.