S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter) Autonomous Fighter

The S-70 has been under development since at least 2011, with sources offering differing assessments of its current stage of progress. Reports indicate that Russia has deployed the unmanned fighter jet in Ukraine on multiple occasions. On October 4, 2024, a Russian fighter jet shot down an S-70 after it lost contact with ground control while flying toward Ukrainian airspace. It is believed that this was to prevent Ukraine and its allies from gaining access to information about the unmanned system.

(Credits: The War Zone)

Basic Weapon Facts

I. Background

1. Manufacturer: Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association P
2. Suppliers: Unknown
3. Country of origin: Russian Federation
4. Developmental stage: Estimates range from preliminary testing to n
5. System version: Based on the Mikoyan Skat and Su-57 fighter j
6. System type: Unmanned Fighter Jet

II. General Specifications

III. Autonomy

Autonomous Targeting capabilities:

The S-70 is reportedly capable of conducting reconnaissance, seek and destroy, and engaging aerial targets autonomously. The tasks are set by ground-based operators and, when airborne, by Su-57 pilots before initiating an attack.

• Coordination with Su-57 Pilots: The S-70 is designed to operate in coordination with Su-57 fighters. The system allegedly autonomously flies alongside a Su-57 and can be directed by pilots to execute high-risk attacks.
• Training Function: Reports indicate that the S-70 has a “training function”, entailing a capacity to transmit data about its mission to improve future functionality.

Sources

1. Manufacturer website:
   Not on website
2. News reports:
   • Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B Hunter: Russia’s Next-Generation Combat Drone Has Arrived  (The National Interest)
   • Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B  (Global Security)
   • Siberian’ S-70 ‘Hunter’ finishes trials, it enters to service  (Bulgarian Military)
   • How Good Is Russia’s New Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B ‘Hunter’ Stealth Drone?  (The National Interest)

(Credits: Russian social media)

Avi Perera

Avi is a researcher educated at the University of Cambridge, specialising in the intersection of AI Ethics and International Law. Recognised by the United Nations for his work on autonomous systems, he translates technical complexity into actionable global policy. His research provides a strategic bridge between machine learning architecture and international governance.