Russia's advanced S‑70 Okhotnik drone still in testing phase

According to Vladimir Artyakov from the state enterprise Rostec, which is responsible for producing the drone, the Russian heavy unmanned aerial vehicle S-70 Okhotnik is still in the preliminary testing phase. The Russians have been "threatening" to start mass production of this equipment for several months, but it is 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.

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 defense holding Rostec, stated on Monday, August 12, that the heavy strike drone S-70 is still in the early testing stage. Artyakov added 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 Russians conveyed the first information about the start of preparations for the production of the S-70 Okhotnik at the end of November 2023. Two months later, they reported that production would begin in a few months. Artyakov states that preparations for starting production are 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".

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 870 mph while its cruising speed will be around 560 mph. Additionally, the operational ceiling of this equipment will be around 34,500 feet.

In terms of offensive capabilities, the Okhotnik will likely carry the same arsenal as the Su-57 fighters. The maximum weapon load of the S-70 will be around 6,600 lbs. This means the machine will be able to carry Kh-58 or Kh-38 missiles, as well as KAB family bombs. Mateusz Tomczak from Wirtualna Polska previously explained that it cannot be ruled out that the Okhotnik will be adapted to carry Kh-35 missiles designed for attacking surface targets.