The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B (Russian: Сухой С-70 "Охотник", lit. 'Hunter'), also referred to as Hunter-B, is a Russian stealth heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) being developed by Sukhoi and the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG. It is designed to operate in tandem with the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet, functioning as a "loyal wingman" to extend the fighter's radar and target designation range, enabling the use of long-range weapons from outside enemy air defenses. The drone is based on the earlier Mikoyan Skat UCAV program and incorporates technologies from the Su-57.
The S-70 features a tailless flying-wing design with a wingspan of approximately 20 meters (65 feet) and a weight of about 20 tons. It is powered by a single AL-41F derivative turbofan engine, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 1,000 km/h (620 mph) and a range of up to 6,000 km (3,700 miles). The drone has two internal weapons bays capable of carrying up to 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) of guided and unguided munitions, including precision-guided bombs like the UMPB D-30SN. It is constructed using composite materials and radar-absorbent coatings to reduce its radar cross-section and enhance survivability in contested environments.
Development of the S-70 began in at least 2011, with the first prototype unveiled in July 2017. The drone performed its maiden flight on 3 August 2019, flying for about 20 minutes at an altitude of 600 meters above Akhtubinsk. Subsequent flight tests, including a notable demonstration in September 2019 where it flew alongside a Su-57, confirmed its ability to operate in coordination with manned aircraft. As of January 2024, serial production was projected to begin in the second half of 2024. However, in October 2024, an S-70 drone was deliberately shot down by a Russian Su-57 over Ukraine after losing contact with ground control and crossing into Ukrainian-controlled territory. The crash site was reportedly targeted by a Russian Iskander missile to prevent recovery, but Ukrainian forces reportedly recovered identifiable wreckage for analysis.
The S-70 is considered a sixth-generation unmanned aerial vehicle and is part of Russia’s broader strategy to modernize its military aviation with advanced unmanned technologies. It is also expected to be deployed aboard future Project 23900 Ivan Rogov amphibious assault ships, capable of carrying four Okhotnik drones for reconnaissance and strike missions. Despite its advanced design and projected capabilities, questions remain about its full operational potential, particularly regarding autonomous task execution, artificial intelligence integration, and the ability to use air-to-air missiles.
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The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B was used to launch a an air attack on a Ukraine convoy of US missiles. It fired from a distance. They have sufficient Electronic Warfare to shut down NATO-Ukraine communications so their drone could safely fire its missiles and return to base unharmed.