Russia’s Top Stealth Drone Shot Down by Its Own Fighter Jet—A Stunning Military Blunder

In an unusual twist of events, Russia’s state-of-the-art stealth drone, the S-70 Okhotnik-B, was reportedly shot down by a missile from its own Su-57 fighter jet. The incident occurred on October 5 near Kostiantynivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region and has drawn significant attention from defense analysts and intelligence agencies alike.

A Friendly Fire Incident with Strategic Implications

Reports from the BBC and The War Zone describe two contrails visible over eastern Ukraine, followed by a missile impact that caused one of the aircraft to crash. Ukrainian sources suggest that the Su-57 fired a short-range air-to-air missile, bringing down the S-70 Okhotnik-B, a cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) slated for mass production this year.

If these claims are accurate, this represents a significant loss for Russia’s aerospace program. Intelligence agencies from the U.S., U.K., and Ukraine are reportedly racing to locate and examine the wreckage, viewing it as a potential treasure trove of classified technology.

What’s particularly intriguing is that this event occurred approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) inside Ukrainian territory, well beyond the front lines. Even more surprising, Ukraine’s sophisticated air defense network failed to detect the incursion until alerted by local civilians.

In an era of hyper-connected battlefields, news of the crash spread rapidly on social media. Civilian analysts quickly identified the aircraft as the S-70 Okhotnik-B based on video footage and photos from the crash site. They also deduced that the Su-57 was likely responsible for downing the drone.

Reports indicate that some civilians even contacted Ukrainian authorities, emphasizing the strategic importance of securing the wreckage for analysis of Russia’s advanced military technology.

Stealth Drone Testing Gone Awry

Military analysts suggest that the S-70 Okhotnik-B incident may have been part of its first combat trial. This theory is supported by the presence of D-30 glide bomb fragments at the crash site, indicating the drone was armed during the mission.

The crash occurred deep within Ukrainian territory, far from the front lines. Analysts propose that electronic warfare interference or a critical technical malfunction may have caused the drone to lose control.

The BBC reported, “It’s possible the Su-57 entered Ukrainian airspace to re-establish control over the wayward drone. When that failed, the decision may have been made to destroy it rather than risk capture.”

This incident highlights Russia’s commitment to fielding advanced military technologies despite its ongoing struggles in Ukraine. One defense expert observed, “Today’s failure could be tomorrow’s success. The Russian military is clearly pushing the envelope with unmanned systems.”

It’s worth noting that the accidental loss of classified military hardware is not unprecedented. In 2011, the U.S. Air Force lost an RQ-170 stealth drone over Iran. The complex electromagnetic environment of modern battlefields increases the risk of system failures in cutting-edge weapons.

The S-70 Okhotnik-B: Russia’s “Super Drone”

Ukrainian scientists and intelligence personnel are thoroughly examining the recovered S-70 Okhotnik-B debris. Initial findings suggest the downed aircraft was an early prototype, first revealed in 2019. This assessment is based on markings indicating it was the fourth airframe (C-70-4) in the development series.

While classified as a drone, the S-70 Okhotnik-B is far from the small UAVs commonly seen in Ukraine. This Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) rivals fighter jets in size, speed, and payload capacity. Its advanced stealth features have earned it the moniker “super drone” among defense analysts.

Russia first unveiled the S-70 in 2019 but has closely guarded its specifications. Occasional sightings of the drone flying in formation with manned fighters have fueled speculation about its capabilities. Available data suggests the Okhotnik-B is approximately 14 meters (46 feet) long with a 19 meters (62 feet) wingspan. Its estimated empty weight is 20 tonnes (44,000 pounds), with a maximum takeoff weight of 25 tonnes (55,000 pounds) and a payload capacity of up to 2 tonnes (4,400 pounds).

A Multi-Role UCAV for Modern Battlefields

The S-70’s flying wing design resembles American UCAVs like the RQ-170 Sentinel and X-47B. Some analysts speculate that Russia may have reverse-engineered technology from the RQ-170 captured by Iran in 2011 to accelerate the Okhotnik-B’s development.

The drone’s stealthy profile, lacking vertical surfaces, likely incorporates advanced composites and radar-absorbing materials to minimize its radar cross-section. Powered by a derivative of the Saturn AF-41FM1 engine, the S-70 is reported to achieve speeds up to 620 mph, a combat radius of 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles), and a maximum range of 6,000 kilometers (3,730 miles).

Unlike many existing unmanned aircraft, the S-70 Okhotnik-B is designed for a full spectrum of combat operations. It can reportedly conduct precision ground strikes, anti-ship attacks, and even air-to-air engagements.

The Okhotnik-B was conceived to operate with Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter, forming a cutting-edge manned-unmanned teaming capability. This pairing may represent a cornerstone of Russia’s future air combat strategy, especially as the country struggles to replace aircraft and pilots lost in Ukraine.

While this incident highlights the challenges of fielding advanced unmanned systems, it also underscores Russia’s determination to push the boundaries of military technology. As the conflict in Ukraine grinds on, we can expect to see further deployments of novel weapons as Russia seeks to regain the initiative.