S-70 Okhotnik-B

S-70 Okhotnik-B overview

The S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter-B) is a stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle developed by Sukhoi, a division of United Aircraft Corporation, for the Russian Aerospace Forces. First flown in August 2019, the Okhotnik features a flying-wing design with a reported wingspan of approximately 19 meters and a reported maximum takeoff weight near 25,000 kg. Those figures are public estimates rather than a complete current specification sheet. The aircraft is publicly associated with a Saturn AL-41F-family turbofan, but the exact production configuration remains uncertain.

The Okhotnik is intended to operate as a loyal wingman to the Su-57, with proposed ISR, electronic-warfare, and strike roles. Public test footage and reporting document formation flight with a Su-57 and autonomous-navigation demonstrations; they do not establish the complete autonomy or weapons capability of a fielded system. As of 2025, outside reporting described a program affected by technical, industrial, and sanctions-related constraints. Russia continues to describe the Okhotnik as a priority, but the planned role should not be confused with confirmed service capability.

The October 2024 loss of an S-70 over Donetsk was widely reported as a Russian Su-57 shoot-down of a test aircraft after the drone apparently went out of control; the incident is evidence of test-program risk, not proof that the system was combat deployed. Russian state and industry statements have described future serial production and Su-57 teaming, but independent reporting has not verified an operational squadron or a reliable delivery schedule. Through 2026, claims about production pace, stealth performance, and weapons integration therefore remain qualified rather than established facts.

Recent official Russian statements continue to present the Okhotnik as a development priority, while credible outside reporting describes a program still working through flight-test and manufacturing constraints. No publicly verifiable 2026 announcement establishes regular service entry, and no claim of combat employment is made here. The current evidence supports describing the S-70 as an advanced but developmental Russian UCAV whose planned role remains more certain than its fielded status.

Armament

Precision guided munitions (internal bay, up to 2,800 kg)

Development and operational timeline

1. Aug 2019S-70 Okhotnik-B completes first flight at Novosibirsk
2. Sep 2019Okhotnik performs formation flight with Su-57 fighter
3. Jan 2021Okhotnik reportedly drops test munition for first time
4. Jun 2023Second prototype with redesigned exhaust nozzle spotted
5. Sep 2024Russia announces plans for initial production despite sanctions
6. Oct 2024An S-70 test aircraft is lost over Donetsk; reporting attributes the shoot-down to a Russian Su-57 after the drone went out of control
7. Jan 2026Public status remains developmental; regular operational service and a verified 2026 delivery schedule are not confirmed