Ukraine and Russia sources declare that Russia has misplaced an S-70 Okhotnik heavy assault stealth drone, allegedly shot down by a Russian fighter over Konstantinovka on the Donetsk entrance. Video and picture proof circulating on social media appear to substantiate the incident.
The Russian Telegram channel Voennyi Osvedomitel [Military Informer] means that “possible harm to the drone” prompted the Russian Air Power to deliberately fireplace upon it. The remnants present extreme destruction, with one constructing utterly demolished and the bottom scorched. Evidently seen is the crimson star on the drone’s wing, surrounded by folks together with navy personnel and reporters. Ukrainian sources point out the drone was downed in a area managed by Ukrainian forces.
Initially, there was a mix-up, mistaking the wreckage for a Su-25 plane. Nevertheless, eager observers famous an uncommon camouflage sample not related to the Su-25. Subsequent movies launched from numerous sources depict pleasant fireplace from one other Russian plane and particles descending that clearly doesn’t align with the Su-25’s fuselage form.
Additional releases of further info and clearer photographs have allowed consultants to conclusively establish the wreckage as a Russian Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B heavy unmanned fight aerial car [UCAV].
Presently, the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Protection has remained silent on this incident. Their solely assertion addresses the downing of two Ukrainian drones over Belgorod Oblast at 11:00 and 11:40 Moscow time, with a 3rd Ukrainian drone reported as downed round 11:40.
The S-70 Okhotnik, developed by the Russian agency Sukhoi, boasts spectacular technical options that place it as a major asset in up to date Russian navy aviation. As claimed by the Russian producers, the Okhotnik measures about 14 meters in size with a wingspan nearing 19 meters, categorizing it among the many largest unmanned aerial autos globally.
The drone boasts a powerful most take-off weight exceeding 20 tons, powered by the identical AL-41F jet engine—or its modified model—used within the Su-57 fighters. It incorporates numerous stealth applied sciences, reminiscent of composite supplies and specialised coatings, to cut back its radar signature. This successfully means it has a a lot decrease radar profile than different drones.
Geared up with cutting-edge sensors and management techniques, the Okhotnik options superior fight mission controls like Energetic Phased Array Radar [AFAR], together with optoelectronic and infrared sensors. These applied sciences facilitate each autonomous operations and synchronization with manned fighters, such because the Su-57, enhancing its operational effectiveness in joint missions.
This drone turns into a significant part throughout missions, successfully serving as a scout for manned plane in high-risk zones. Its weaponry consists of each guided and unguided missiles and bombs saved in two inside bays, with some estimates suggesting it will probably carry as much as 2.8 tons of payload. With an operational vary estimated at 6,000 kilometers, this drone can pursue long-range missions and preserve prolonged fight duties inside operational areas.
If the S-70 Okhotnik [Hunter] had been to fall into Ukrainian or American arms, it might be a considerable setback for the Russian Federation, each technologically and strategically. The most important concern could be the publicity of delicate development particulars and stealth applied sciences utilized within the drone. “Hunter” is engineered with cutting-edge composite supplies and specialised coatings that dramatically cut back its radar signature.
Ought to these applied sciences be acquired by rivals such because the US or Ukraine, they may probably create counterstrategies to undermine the tactical fringe of Russian stealth drones. Moreover, US and allied digital warfare [EW] capabilities might be considerably enhanced by figuring out and exploiting the Hunter’s vulnerabilities. This might make it simpler to detect and disable drones in future engagements.
One more crucial concern is the revelation of the management techniques and sensors employed by the Hunter. Its Energetic Phased Array Radar [APAR] and different built-in optoelectronic techniques might be scrutinized by Western powers to pinpoint weaknesses in Russian reconnaissance and assault methodologies. Autonomous management techniques may also be of excessive curiosity, as they seemingly include algorithms for impartial decision-making, coordination with manned plane, and evasion of enemy threats.
If misplaced, the Okhotnik would lead to a harmful blow to Russia’s popularity and funds. This unmanned car is an important a part of Russia’s daring ambition to create a community of cutting-edge stealth and robotic fight expertise. Furthermore, if these developments had been shared with Western allies, it might compromise the in depth funding that has gone into Okhotnik’s growth, diminishing its effectiveness in future conflicts.
The S-70 Okhotnik stealth drone holds strategic significance for Russia because it performs a pivotal position in upgrading the Russian Air Power, providing a major edge in upcoming navy engagements. Via growing unmanned platforms just like the Okhotnik, Russia goals to cut back dependency on manned plane in harmful zones, thereby enhancing operational effectivity.
Designed to pair with fifth-generation fighters such because the Su-57, the drone serves as a ahead operator in reconnaissance, digital warfare, and executing direct strikes. Its stealth capabilities permit it to infiltrate closely defended areas, delivering real-time intelligence or precision strikes, that are crucial in at the moment’s warfare panorama.
On a unique observe, Russia is trying to the S-70 Okhotnik to bolster its standing on the world stage inside the arms trade, successfully responding to the technological strides made by the US and China in unmanned aviation. Within the realm of strategic rivalry, this drone provides Russia not solely a instrument to safeguard its nationwide stakes but in addition a major means for navy and geopolitical affect.
Boasting a powerful operational vary of roughly 6,000 kilometers and being able to carrying numerous weapons, the Okhotnik can function throughout a large geographical expanse, even reaching areas properly past Russian territory. The drone’s growth highlights Moscow’s ambition to remain globally aggressive and recalibrate its navy methods to suit the wants of up to date battlefields.
As of October 2024, the Russian S-70 Okhotnik stealth drone is nearing completion and is anticipated to enter service quickly. The Russian armed forces are anticipated to start receiving the primary items in 2024. This UAV is already within the last phases of testing and demonstrations and is deliberate to work alongside the Su-57, Russia’s superior fifth-generation fighter jet. Okhotnik is designed to behave as a “loyal wingman” to the Su-57, enhancing the fighter’s radar attain and long-range mission scope. Current assessments have efficiently demonstrated fight capabilities, together with missions utilizing 500 kg bombs.
***
Comply with us in every single place and at any time. BulgarianMilitary.com has responsive design and you may open the web page from any pc, cell gadgets or net browsers. For extra up-to-date information, observe our Google Information, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter and Fb pages. Our requirements: Manifesto & moral rules.
