S‑70 Okhotnik drone’s uncertain path to mass production
The Russian heavy unmanned aerial vehicle S-70 Okhotnik is still in the preliminary testing phase, according to Vladimir Artyakov from the state enterprise Rostec, responsible for producing the drone. Russians have been "threatening" to start mass production of this equipment for several months, but it is currently still unknown when this will happen.
In January 2024, Russian propaganda media reported that mass production of S-70 Okhotnik strike drones would begin in the coming months. Work on this equipment began several years ago, but it reportedly gained momentum during the conflict in Ukraine.
According to previous reports, the S-70 Okhotnik was even spotted over Ukraine – observers in 2023 reported seeing a strange flying object in the sky. The Russian Federation did not confirm at the time that it was their modern construction.
The S-70 Okhotnik is still in the testing phase
As the Russians now report, the Okhotnik still has a long way to go before entering mass production and engaging in any combat. Vladimir Artyakov, Deputy General Director of the Russian defence holding Rostec, stated on Monday, August 12, that the heavy strike drone S-70 is still in the early testing stage. Artyakov adds that several prototypes of the drone are involved, and it is not known exactly how long the machines will be tested.
Defense Romania recalls that the first information about the start of preparations for the production of the S-70 Okhotnik was conveyed by the Russians at the end of November 2023. Two months later, they reported that production would begin in a few months. As Artyakov now states, preparations for starting production are still ongoing, and tests are being conducted simultaneously. Therefore, it is unclear when the first drones will roll off the production lines, although the Russians maintain that "the project is proceeding according to plan".
Heavy strike drone
Although the S-70 Okhotnik is still a developing project, its basic parameters are already known. The unmanned aerial vehicle will be built in the flying-wing configuration with stealth characteristics, reducing detectability. Its maximum speed will be 1,400 km/h, while cruising speed will be around 900 km/h. Additionally, the operational ceiling of this equipment will be around 10,500 metres.
The Okhotnik will likely carry the same arsenal as the Su-57 fighters regarding offensive capabilities. The maximum weapon load of the S-70 will be around 3,000 kilograms. This means that the machine will be able to carry Kh-58 or Kh-38 missiles and KAB family bombs. It cannot be ruled out that the Okhotnik will be adapted to carry Kh-35 missiles designed for attacking surface targets.
