Russian Stealthy S-70 Okhotnik Attack Drone To Become Operational

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization 

(Washington DC) 

The US military’s Sentinel RQ-170 has become famous as a stealthy surveillance drone capable of conducting ISR missions in some of the most dangerous and contested areas, yet the platform does not appear to be armed. 

Russia, however, is soon to deploy an armed, stealthy S-70 Hunter Okhotnik armed attack drone which potentially appears extremely dangerous. Much is not known about the drone, yet its external configuration does appear stealthy and of potential concern. 

It is not clear or known if the US is far along with its own stealthy attack drone, although unarmed stealth drones such as the RQ-170 exist.  Years ago, there was a program called UCLASS, which was a Navy carrier-launched drone, which was explored as an armed attack drone, refueler or surveillance asset.  The program was preceded by a breakthrough and interesting innovation called the X-47B demonstrator, a first of its kind stealthy carrier-launched drone.  The UCLASS program wound up hitting what might be called a mini-collision in terms purpose and mission, yet wound up arguably evolving into an inspiring the Navy’s first-of-its-kind MQ-25 Stingray carrier launched refueler drone

What about Russia’s Hunter Attack Drone

The Russian military is flying two prototype stealthy S-70 “hunter” drones expected to become operational by 2024, a significant and potentially concerning development for the Pentagon.

S-70: Explained

The Okhotnik is not only stealthy but reported to be an armed strike drone as well, according to numerous reports including one from as far back as 2018 in Russia Beyond quoting Russian experts discussing the drone.