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| Russia's S-70 Okhotnik Unmanned Fighter Test Fires Surface-to-Air Missile |
Moskow - Russia's S-70 Okhotnik stealth unmanned fighter (UCAV) has reportedly fired a series of air-to-surface missiles at a stationary ground target. This was broadcast by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, quoted from Bulgarian Military (8/9). There is no information that this happened in Ukraine. However, it is assumed that the test fire was carried out somewhere on the Russian-Ukrainian border.
Russian sources claim that the missiles fired were the same as those of the Su-57 Felon. That is, the S-70 Okhotnik can launch missiles such as the Kh-38M and Kh-59MK2. The Kh-38M is an air-to-surface missile powered by a two-stage solid rocket motor and has an operational range of 40 km.
While the Kh-59MK2 is a TV-guided cruise missile powered by a single turbojet/turbofan engine with a maximum operational range of up to 290 km. By carrying missiles that have a long cruising range, the S-70 Okhotnik does not need to launch them from the skies over Ukraine. Although it is possible to test it directly through the airspace of the Ukriana region.
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| Satellite imagery Spotted Russia's S-70 Okhotnik-B UCAV and SU-57 at Military Test Facility |
In its combat mission, the S-70 Okhotnik can operate independently, in groups with other UCAVs, or operate alongside the Su-57 Felon as its Loyal Wingman. The development of the S-70 Okhotnik is one of the most valuable military projects in the Russian defense industry.
To date, two prototypes of the S-70 Okhotnik have been created and preparations for serial production have also begun. But the protracted war in Ukraine and the economic sanctions imposed by the West on Russia could seriously alter its plans or production schedule, which is set to start in 2024.