Russia develops advanced drone for SU-57 support

In Russia, significant advancements in military aviation technology are underway as the state defense conglomerate Rostec continues to develop the S-70 Okhotnik-B unmanned aerial system (UAS). This innovative drone is being designed to function as a support aircraft for the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter. Rostec Managing Director Yuri Koptev indicated that the ongoing efforts are aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Russian Aerospace Forces by integrating unmanned systems into their operations. It was reported that a two-seat variant of the Su-57 is in development specifically to control multiple Okhotnik drones simultaneously. The strategic role of the Okhotnik drones extends beyond mere support; they are envisioned to engage in various operations, including swarming tactics, saturation strikes, and real-time intelligence sharing with the Su-57. These capabilities could allow a Su-57 pilot to maintain a safe distance from threats while effectively managing the battlefield. The implementation of this drone technology represents a pivotal step forward in modern aerial combat strategies, potentially reshaping the dynamics of military engagements. Since its inception, the S-70 Okhotnik has already been through several developmental phases. The drone's debut flight occurred on August 3, 2019, lasting over twenty minutes under the control of an operator. This testing phase demonstrated its capabilities, but the full scope of its deployment remains shrouded in uncertainty due to limited information on its production timeline and quantity. Rumors have also circulated about past operational challenges, including an incident where a Su-57 may have accidentally downed one of its own Okhotnik drones. Overall, the integration of such drones into the Russian military highlights a broader trend in which unmanned systems are increasingly becoming essential elements in aerial warfare. As countries around the globe explore similar technologies, the future of aerial combat could see a greater reliance on these assets, fundamentally altering the roles of manned fighters and reshaping air combat strategies on an international scale.