Russia’s S-70 Stealth Drone: Another Embarrassment Over Ukraine

Key Points and What You Need to Know: Russia’s S-70 Okhotnik-B drone, or “Hunter-B,” was intended as a stealthy loyal wingman for the Su-57 fighter. However, its debut in Ukraine failed dramatically after one was shot down by a Russian jet when it went haywire.

-Compounding the embarrassment, Ukrainian forces reportedly retrieved key components before Russia used an Iskander missile to destroy the wreckage, challenging Moscow’s claims about its stealth technology.

-The S-70, initially meant to support missions normally tasked to the beleaguered Su-34 fleet, remains largely unproven. Instead of showcasing advanced capabilities, it highlights ongoing issues in Russia’s military manufacturing and design—especially concerning stealth claims.

Russian S-70 Crashes Putin’s Airpower Hopes

The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B, also known as the “Hunter-B,” is a Russian heavy unmanned combat stealthy aerial vehicle (UCAV) that has been under development by Sukhoi and Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG since the mid-2010s.

Sukhoi developed the drone to act as a potential “loyal wingman” version under the control of Su-57 jet pilots, similar to the USAF Skyborg program.

The first operational use was reported in July 2023 as a reconnaissance flight over Ukraine during the ongoing Russian invasion. However, on October 5, 2024, an out-of-control S-70 was deliberately shot down by a Russian Su-57 over Ukraine. That particular drone flew armed with weapons. 

British Intelligence reported that the drone flew over Ukrainian lines and began to act uncontrollably. Whether this was due to Ukrainian interference or a design flaw in the Hunter drone remains unseen. However, it has set back Russian usage of the S-70 in the foreseeable future. 

S-70: Another Setback in Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has not gone anywhere near what Moscow envisioned – which was a brief incursion with an almost welcoming occupation. Horrific casualties and the loss of top-line Russian tanks and aircraft have been an embarrassment for the military. 

Now, a new drone used to take some of the pressure off the heavily decimated Su-34 aircraft used in glide bombing has added to the Kremlin’s embarrassment as Russia was forced to shoot down its drone. 

Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

Russia has lost about 20 percent of its Su-34 fleet in operations over Ukraine. Moscow intended for the S-70 to provide some respite for the hard-hit aircraft and crews, but that idea must be scrapped for now. 

After the Su-57 shot down the drone, the Russians launched an Iskander missile designed to destroy the wreckage, but the Ukrainians had already removed key components of the drone. While Russia is considered far behind the US in stealth technology, one theory is that the Russians tried to destroy the downed S-70 to hide the fact that their stealth technology is virtually nonexistent.  

This was the case when Ukraine shot down a Kh-101/X-101 long-range cruise missile.

“The results of research show that despite Russian claims, Kh-101 is not covered with a special paint that reduces reflection of radiation,” says Ukrainian Defense News. “All the Russian stories about RAM coating on the Kh-101 body turned out to be nothing but propaganda.” The Defense News stated that this questions the new Russian “stealth” Su-57. 

Su-70 Specs: 

Wingspan: 20 m (65 ft)

Empty weight: 10,000 to 20,000 kg (22,046 to 44,092 lb) estimated

Max takeoff weight: 25,000 kg (55,116 lb)

Powerplant: 1 × AL-41F derivative

Maximum speed: 1,000 km/h (620 mph, 540 knots) 0.82 Mach

Range: 6,000 km (3,700 mi, 3,200 nmi)

Combat range: 3,000 km (1,900 mi, 1,600 nmi) 

2 internal weapons bays for up to 2,000 kg of guided and unguided munitions UMPB D-30SN

The Russian drone is yet another embarrassment to Russian manufacturing expertise or lack thereof. The Russians have been using Iranian Shahed drones, which have been very effective in Ukraine. As of September 2024, the Russians have launched more than 8,000 Shahed drones against Ukraine. 

British Intelligence points to the nearly nonexistent role of the Su-70 in Ukraine and believes the drone’s lack of usage is because they don’t want the world to see that their stealth technologies are far from what they’ve stated. 

So, is the Su-70 a “loyal wingman,” as the Russians promote? It is well known that Russia consistently overstates the capabilities of its weapons and equipment. Back in 2023, Russia claimed that a Su-70 drone had successfully targeted Ukrainian targets. When it turned out the drone was an Iranian Shahed 171 drone.

Judging from how things have unfolded in Ukraine, evidence suggests that the Su-70 Hunter has not yet been developed as a true “loyal wingman.” It has probably not developed as anything more than a bomber drone at this time.

About the Author: 

Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in other military publications.