Did a Russian Stealth Drone Fall Victim to Friendly Fire?
Footage of Possible Friendly Fire Incident
A video was shared online that seems to show a Russian Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik ('Hunter') attack drone being shot down in a 'friendly fire' incident over the Donetsk region. Currently, all reports are unconfirmed, but there is a significant amount of footage that seems to show a Russian fighter jet downing the friendly Okhotnik stealth drone.
Details of the Incident
The footage of the incident has sparked interest, particularly because it involves a Russian aircraft being downed in a friendly fire incident on the Donetsk front. More videos of the wreckage and the moment of the crash are now available, and the consensus is that it was a Russian Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B stealth heavy unmanned aircraft that was shot down.
Stealth Drone's Efficacy Questioned
What makes this incident somewhat amusing is the fact that if it was indeed a Russian "stealth" UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) that was shot down, it wasn't very "stealthy." The radar and heat signature of the UCAV were such that a Russian air-to-air missile was able to lock onto it and intercept it.
First Known Loss of an Okhotnik Stealth Drone
Separate video footage shows the drone crash site. This is the first known loss of an Okhotnik stealth drone in a combat environment. Russia has not released any official statements about the incident or who exactly shot down the drone.
Speculation on the Incident
One online user offered their perspective on the situation, suggesting that during tests of the Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B stealth UAV, the Russian army lost control, causing it to head towards Ukrainian territory. Fearing it might fall into Ukrainian hands, they used an SU-57 fighter to shoot it down over the Donetsk region.
Details on the Stealth Drone
The aviation news website AeroTime noted earlier this year that series production of the stealth drone was slated for the second half of this year. The website also provided specs on the new drone that flies with Russia's Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet. The S-70 Okhotnik, powered by an AL-31 turbojet engine, is expected to achieve speeds of up to 1,000 kilometers per hour, covering a range of 6,000 km. The Russian Defense Ministry has highlighted its advanced features, including electro-optical targeting, radio, and various reconnaissance equipment. The drone's two internal bays can carry up to 2.8 tons of weaponry.
Collaborative Operation with Su-57 Fighter Jet
The S-70 Okhotnik is anticipated to operate collaboratively with the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, extending the latter's radar field. The drone's stealth capabilities will enable it to designate long-range targets for the leading aircraft without being easily detected.
Bottom Line
Given the secrecy surrounding the stealth drone, it is unlikely that Moscow will ever disclose the full details of what transpired. This incident raises questions about the effectiveness of the stealth technology used in these drones and whether they can truly evade detection. What are your thoughts on this incident? Do you think it reveals any significant weaknesses in Russia's stealth technology? Share this article with your friends and let us know what you think. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
