Rostec is developing the S-70 "Okhotnik-B" drone, which will work in conjunction with the Su-57 fighter. This was written by military expert Peter Suchiu in an article for The National Interest.
Pilots of the Russian Aerospace Forces on fifth-generation Su-57 fighters may soon receive “loyal companions” — escort drones that will help in performing tasks in real time.
According to Army Recognition, "the two-seat Su-57 is being developed to simultaneously coordinate the actions of 2 to 4 'Okhotniks'. At the same time, the UAV will perform various tasks, including hitting targets, transmitting intelligence data, and flying in a swarm. The S-70 can also be used as decoys, for jamming.
There is no denying that this is a significant step in introducing slave UAVs into the manned fighter system. However, they will be controlled not by the Su-57 pilot, but by a separate operator.
Suchiu emphasized that the S-70 "Okhotnik-B" "looks like a very effective Su-57 satellite on paper." However, the main question is when it will be adopted, the expert added.
Russia has not been able to establish large-scale serial production of the Su-57, and it is unclear how many two-seat models are currently in service. The introduction of the "Okhotnik" is also in doubt.
The author of The National Interest pointed out that there is not much information about the S-70 in the Russian media. For example, in August 2024, Rostec announced the production of a pilot batch of drones at the Chkalov Novosibirsk Aviation Plant. However, the state corporation did not announce information about the timing of the S-70 delivery, Suchiu summarized.
Read more on the topic:
Пойти по иранскому пути: стало известно, как наладить массовое производство С-70 «Охотник»
Как С-70 «Охотник» для истребителя Су-57: индийские МиГ-29К могут получить ведомые беспилотники
Стартовали испытания истребителя Су-57 в связке с дроном С-70 «Охотник»
