Russia UAV programs, News & Update

Cabatli_TR · Aug 26, 2020

ussia orders S-70 Okhotnik 'Hunter' UAV deliveries accelerated to 2024

By Garrett Reim4 August 2020

Moscow has ordered United Aircraft (UAC) to speed up deliveries of its S-70 Okhotnik “Hunter” unmmaned air vehicle (UAV) to 2024.

The stealthy, flying-wing UAV was to be initially delivered in 2025.

The accelerated delivery schedule was acknowledged publicly for the first time when Russian President Vladimir Putin met with UAC chief executive Yuri Slyusar for an update on the company’s product development plans on 3 August.

72126_s70_okhotnikscreenshotfromyoutubevideo_351851.jpg

Source: Russian defence ministry

S-70 Okhotnik screenshot from YouTube video

“We received an assignment from the defence ministry to speed up the experimental design work and maximally adjust the schedule in order to begin the deliveries already from 2024,” Slyusar told Putin, according to state-run media outlet TASS. “That is why we are actively working with colleagues on this issue.”

Designed by UAC subsidiary Sukhoi, the S-70 prototype first took off in August 2019. The UAV is designed to carry a payload of 6,000kg (13,200lb), have a flight range of 3,240nm (6,000km) and an operating ceiling of 59,000ft, according to Russian news agency Interfax. The aircraft is capable of carrying air-to-air missiles and reconnaissance equipment, according to TASS.

The S-70 is “our heavy attack drone with unprecedented capabilities, having the largest combat radius, the widest range of weapons, the widest range of equipment,” says Slyusar, according to a transcript released by the Kremlin and translated. “[UAVs] of this class are only designed and manufactured by two countries: the USA and China.”

The S-70 is similar in appearance to flying-wing UAVs built by several nations, including China’s Sharp Sword, France’s Dassault Neuron, the UK’s BAE Systems Taranis and the USA’s Northrop Grumman X-47B. The flying wing shape inherently has a lower radar cross section, although Russia says its jet is also coated in radar absorbent paint.

Garrett ReimGarrett Reim is a military aviation reporter based in Los Angeles. He reports on military aircraft manufacturers and operators in North and South America. Send him your confidential tips, press releases and story ideas via [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter via @garrettreim.

https://www.flightglobal.com/milita...deliveries-accelerated-to-2024/139607.article

Kartal1 · Sep 2, 2020

02 September 2020

Army 2020: Kronshtadt unveils small air-launched munitions for UAVs

by Nikolai Novichkov

Russia’s JSC Kronshtadt unveiled its new range of small air-launched munitions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the Army 2020 defence exhibition held in Kubinka near Moscow on 23-29 August. These weapons have been developed by a wide range of companies, including the Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) and the Central Research and Scientific Institute of Chemical Machine-building (TsNIIKhM).

KTRV’s Kh-50 guided missile (foreground) next to three TsNIIKhM KB-20 guided bombs for the Orion UAV (background) at Army 2020. (Nikolai Novichkov)
KTRV director general Boris Obnosov told Janes on 26 August, “The corporation is designing new missiles and bombs for UAVs and upgrading existing ones. KTRV is now developing [small] 50–100 kg weapons for the blossoming UAV market.” He said his company is working with Kronshtadt and the Sukhoi Design Bureau on weapons for their UAVs.

At Army 2020, a range of [small] 20–100 kg air-launched weapons was showcased alongside the Orion reconnaissance UAV. The first Orion unmanned aerial system (UAS) comprising three vehicles was delivered to the troops last spring for operational evaluation and is now capable of performing both reconnaissance and combat missions.

KTRV’s 50 kg Kh-50 guided missile can engage small soft skinned ground and surface targets. It is 1.8 m long and has a diameter of 180 mm. The munition has 300 mm fins and carries a 10–20 kg high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) warhead.

TsNIIKhM’s KB-20 guided bomb weighs 21 kg and carries a 7 kg HE-FRAG warhead and a satellite receiver or laser guidance unit. It is 900 mm long and has a diameter of 130 mm and has 350 mm fins. The munition is designed to engage personnel and soft skinned targets.

Army 2020: Kronshtadt unveils small air-launched munitions for UAVs

Russia’s JSC Kronshtadt unveiled its new range of small air-launched munitions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the Army 2020 defence exhibition held in Kubinka...

www.janes.com

Cabatli_TR · Sep 8, 2020

Army 2020: Kronshtadt unveils small air-launched munitions for UAVs
by Nikolai Novichkov

Russia’s JSC Kronshtadt unveiled its new range of small air-launched munitions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the Army 2020 defence exhibition held in Kubinka near Moscow on 23-29 August. These weapons have been developed by a wide range of companies, including the Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) and the Central Research and Scientific Institute of Chemical Machine-building (TsNIIKhM).

KTRV’s Kh-50 guided missile (foreground) next to three TsNIIKhM KB-20 guided bombs for the Orion UAV (background) at Army 2020. (Nikolai Novichkov)

KTRV director general Boris Obnosov told Janes on 26 August, “The corporation is designing new missiles and bombs for UAVs and upgrading existing ones. KTRV is now developing [small] 50–100 kg weapons for the blossoming UAV market.” He said his company is working with Kronshtadt and the Sukhoi Design Bureau on weapons for their UAVs.

At Army 2020, a range of [small] 20–100 kg air-launched weapons was showcased alongside the Orion reconnaissance UAV. The first Orion unmanned aerial system (UAS) comprising three vehicles was delivered to the troops last spring for operational evaluation and is now capable of performing both reconnaissance and combat missions.

KTRV’s 50 kg Kh-50 guided missile can engage small soft skinned ground and surface targets. It is 1.8 m long and has a diameter of 180 mm. The munition has 300 mm fins and carries a 10–20 kg high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) warhead.

TsNIIKhM’s KB-20 guided bomb weighs 21 kg and carries a 7 kg HE-FRAG warhead and a satellite receiver or laser guidance unit. It is 900 mm long and has a diameter of 130 mm and has 350 mm fins. The munition is designed to engage personnel and soft skinned targets.

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Army 2020: Kronshtadt unveils small air-launched munitions for UAVs

Russia’s JSC Kronshtadt unveiled its new range of small air-launched munitions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the Army 2020 defence exhibition held in Kubinka...

www.janes.com

Test7 · Sep 24, 2020

Russia Conducts Drone Swarm Drill during Kavkaz-2020 Exercise

Russian military's drone swarm during Kavkaz-2020 exercises.

Russia used a swarm consisting of Forpost, Orlan-10 and Eleron-3 drones to attack “hostile” forces for the first time during Kavkaz-2020 exercises.

"At the Kapustin Yar proving ground a combined group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) was created. It incorporated Southern Military District units armed with drones Forpost, Orlan-10, Eleron-3 and others," the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement September 24.

Unmanned aircraft are used to expose enemy’s defenses, destroying ground targets and in radio-electronic warfare. They are capable of spotting military units on the move, command centers, weapons, military equipment and manpower to adjust fire strikes being delivered against targets.

Defense World

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Agha Sher · Sep 24, 2020

Russians still struggeling making simple drones

TR_123456 · Oct 1, 2020

The commander-in-chief stressed that strategic and operative drones were typical targets for the ground forces' air defenses

Tor-M2 air defense system

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. A small-size missile for the air defense system Tor-M2 is being created in Russia as a counter-weapon against tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), the commander-in-chief of Russia's ground forces, General of the Army Oleg Salyukov, told the government-published daily Rossiyskaya Gazeta in an interview.

"Currently the air defense system Tor-M2 is the most effective means against tactical drones. The cost of one guided air defense missile is way above the cost of a small-size drone. For this reason a relatively inexpensive small missile is being developed for this system," Salyukov said, adding that the 57-mm air defense artillery system Derivatsiya-PVO was about to be finalized.

He stressed that strategic and operative drones were typical targets for the ground forces' air defenses.

"The existing multi-echelon air defense system guarantees effective protection from them by and large," Salyukov said.

On Thursday, October 1, Russia's ground forces mark their professional holiday, established in 2006.

Air defense system Tor-M2 to get special small missile against drones

The commander-in-chief stressed that strategic and operative drones were typical targets for the ground forces' air defenses

tass.com

Cabatli_TR · Oct 1, 2020

T-123456 said:
The commander-in-chief stressed that strategic and operative drones were typical targets for the ground forces' air defenses

View attachment 2531
Tor-M2 air defense system

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. A small-size missile for the air defense system Tor-M2 is being created in Russia as a counter-weapon against tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), the commander-in-chief of Russia's ground forces, General of the Army Oleg Salyukov, told the government-published daily Rossiyskaya Gazeta in an interview.

"Currently the air defense system Tor-M2 is the most effective means against tactical drones. The cost of one guided air defense missile is way above the cost of a small-size drone. For this reason a relatively inexpensive small missile is being developed for this system," Salyukov said, adding that the 57-mm air defense artillery system Derivatsiya-PVO was about to be finalized.

He stressed that strategic and operative drones were typical targets for the ground forces' air defenses.

"The existing multi-echelon air defense system guarantees effective protection from them by and large," Salyukov said.

On Thursday, October 1, Russia's ground forces mark their professional holiday, established in 2006.

Air defense system Tor-M2 to get special small missile against drones

The commander-in-chief stressed that strategic and operative drones were typical targets for the ground forces' air defenses

tass.com

Russia is trying to update its air defence missile system by adding new capabilities but Turkish drones are advancing faster. The new generation Turkish drones will fire modern modular missile system called Kuzgun that has a range around 100km. This missile will have many new generatation features like swarm strike mode, E/O or radar based guidance to neutralize advanced air defence missile systems.

TR_123456 · Oct 2, 2020

The Russian military has been developing its next generation of combat gear and it could be integrated with new micro-drones that provide a tactical level automated command system. Such equipment was designed to enhance each soldier's situational awareness, facilitate the performance during combat missions and even minimize the level of physical effort of individual soldiers while reducing their risk of life.

"One of the current research and development projects, being carried out at the request of the ground forces' command, envisages the creation of a new generation combat gear incorporating elements that enhance the personnel's physical abilities, such as combat and special exoskeletons, and the integration of combat and support robots as well as reconnaissance and attack drones of small and mini-class," explained commander of ground forces, General of the Army Oleg Salyukov, in an interview with the government-published Rossiiskaya Gazeta on Thursday.

Tass reported that Russian defense contractor Rostec was working on a new generation combat gear called Sotnik (Centurian), which would replace the current Ratnik (Warrior) infantry equipment. It is being developed by one of the company's affiliates, the Central Scientific-Research Institute for Precision Machine Engineering TasNIItochMash.

The Russian military has announced plans to have the first batch of Sotnik equipment delivered to special operations troops by 2025 and to the entirety of the Russian military within another five years. It has been suggested that such a timeline could be overly ambitious due to the fact that Sotnik consists of a great deal of high-tech items that may not be ready for combat troops in just a decade.

Some of the equipment already exists, including anti-mine boots and special cloth that could reduce thermal (heat) signatures that identifies troops to thermal sensors – making them essentially invisible to those sensors – while other cloth could reduce radar effectiveness.

The equipment could also be integrated with micro-drone technology, which would be connected with a tactical level automated command system. This could provide images from cameras on the drones that are transmitted and project to a soldier's helmet visor or protective glasses along with commands, maps of the terrain and other crucial information – sort of a "Google Glass" solution for the battlefield.

Tass reported that nothing has been said about plans to integrate attack drones with the new generation of combat gear, but that could be the next step for Russia's soldiers of the future.

Research and development for the new generation of equipment will reportedly last from 2020 to 2023, and the final list of Sotnik items is expected to be completed until at least then, but the equipment has been reported to be about 20% lighter than the current Ratnik equivalents. It is expected that the Sotnik combat gear will consist of new ammunition and firearms.

While this could mark the end of the line for the Ratnik, experiences with it have proved information. The last major upgrade in terms of equipment was earlier this year when the new Russian assault rifle, the AK-12, was finally delivered to regular infantry units.

Russia's New Military Micro-Drones: What Can They Do?

Would they give Moscow any sort of edge in a future conflict?

nationalinterest.org

TR_123456 · Oct 6, 2020

The powerful SAM system is about to get better at stopping enemy UAVs.

he Russian military’s Tor-M2 short-range air defense missile system was developed to counter a range of targets including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), guided missiles, cruise missiles, helicopters and high-precision weapons that fly at very low to medium altitudes. The full-automated surface-to-air missile (SAM) system is manufactured by Almaz-Antey’s Izhevsk Electromechnical Plant to also deliver effect air defense in jamming environments.

The Tor-M2 is able to engage a target within ten seconds while on the move and, and within just eight seconds from a short stop. It integrates Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA) radar that allows for faster and more precise beam control, and it can engage somewhere between four and ten targets simultaneously.

However, against some targets the Tor-M2 would be overkill—in essence comparable to targeting flies with a shotgun—which is why the Russian military has now announced that it developed a small-size missile for the SAM platform. These would be used as a counter-weapon specifically against UAVs and other small drones.

“Currently the air defense system Tor-M2 is the most effective means against tactical drones,” commander-in-chief of Russia’s ground forces, General of the Army Oleg Salyukov told the government-published daily Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Tass reported.

“The cost of one guided air defense missile is way above the cost of a small-size drone. For this reason a relatively inexpensive small missile is being developed for this system,” Salyukov added. “The existing multi-echelon air defense system guarantees effective protection from them by and large.”

The Tor-M2 SAM, which is equipped with two 9M334 modules, each containing four 9M331 SAM guided missiles, was designed to operate around-the-clock in all weather conditions.

The platform was reportedly deployed to Syria, while the Tor-M2-DT arctic version—mounted on cross-country tractors—was put into development in 2017.

Export Sales and Variants

According to Army-Technology, the Tor family SAM systems has been widely exported as the Tor-M2E, which is based on a tracked chassis. Its capabilities were first exhibited at the MAKS 2007 Airshow in Moscow and then again in 2011. The Tor-M2E is now in service with the armed forces of Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Ukraine and Venezuela.

A navalized variant was developed under the name 3K95 “Kinzhal,” also known as the SA-N-9 “Gauntlet.” This naval version utilizes the same 9M330 missile as the land based version, and the system can be mounted on vessels displacing over 800 tons.

The Chinese military has developed its own version of the original Tor-M1 system as the HQ-17. It incorporates an IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) on top of electronically scanned array radar; and features modernized electronics, an all-terrain launcher and ability to datalink with other connected Chinese military systems and platforms. China’s FM-2000 short-range air defense system (SHORAD) also bears a host of technical similarities to the Tor-M2K. Both platforms came about from China copying the dozen or Tor-M1 platforms that Beijing purchased from 1996 to 2000.

The National Interest: Blog

nationalinterest.org

Test7 · Nov 2, 2020

JSC CSTS Dinamika, part of Technodinamika Group, has successfully passed the state trials of the latest target simulator with a rotary-wing target drone system.

This is the first unmanned rotorcraft belonging to this size group ever designed, built and tested in Russia. With takeoff weight at an impressive 315 kg, its flight endurance makes up at least 1 hour, altitude ‑ 2,500 m and operational range ‑ at least 100 km, while operating ambient temperature can vary from ‑30°С to +40°С.

“The Dinamika Center for Scientific and Technical Services has successfully completed the trials of the simulator with unmanned aerial vehicles. The system is intended to simulate low-speed drones and helicopters in the trials of experimental and upgraded weapon systems and for other purposes,” the press office said.

The state trials were held on a scale sufficient for starting the manufacture of the system’s pilot batch. The trials confirmed all of the system’s flight and operational characteristics, it said.

The final stage of the trials took place at the Defense Ministry’s Chkalov State Flight Testing Center with the use of purpose-designed equipment. The tests were held by specialists of the Chkalov Center while the staff of the Dinamika Center’s flight test base provided support for the flights.

“The successful completion of the state trials of the system with drones is a landmark event in the development of Technodinamika’s enterprise. The preliminary conclusion obtained on the possibility of producing a pilot batch of the simulator with drones has allowed the Dinamika Center for Scientific and Technical Services to launch the serial manufacture of drones for the first time. The company has put into operation a workshop that allows for serially assembling and integrating components of unmanned aerial vehicles,” the press office quoted Technodinamika Group CEO Igor Nasenkov as saying.

The rotary-wing UAV Target Decoy to be displayed at MAKS-2019 has been built for a new Air Defense Training System (ADTS-UAV), which comprises a suite of fixed- and rotary-wing UAV targets varying in size and weight.

This is the first unmanned rotorcraft belonging to this size group ever designed, built and tested in Russia. With takeoff weight at an impressive 315 kg, its flight endurance makes up at least 1 hour, altitude ‑ 2,500 m and operational range ‑ at least 100 km, while operating ambient temperature can vary from ‑30°С to +40°С.

The ADTS-UAV was tested in a dedicated facility designed specifically for the project and certified by Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade Aviation Industry Department. Completed in July 2019, the ADTS-UAV flight and design approval testing confirmed that its performance characteristics comply with their specifications and, for some parameters, even exceed design data by 5-15%.

Besides the UAV targets, the ADTS-UAV includes a ground control post, specialized payload equipment and ground service facilities. With alternative payloads, a system like ADTS-UAV could be used for a variety of civil applications: most importantly, monitoring of forest fires, oil extraction and transportation facilities, agricultural lands, border areas, etc. The ADTS-UAV is now in state testing, and Dinamika is making preparations for serial manufacturing.

https://defence-blog.com/news/russia-develops-new-rotary-wing-target-drone.html

CSTS Dinamika :: Flight Technology :: MAKS-2019: CSTS Dinamika's debut in unmanned aviation

www.dinamika-avia.com

Test7 · Dec 23, 2020

First Unmanned Helicopter Drones Delivered to Russian Aerospace Forces

The Technodinamika holding of the Rostec State Corporation handed over to the Russian Aerospace Forces the first batch of multifunctional helicopter-type unmanned aerial systems.

They are intended for use as flying targets for testing new types of weapons. They are also be used for reconnaissance such as monitoring forest fires, agricultural plantings or transportation of oil products.

In its role as a simulator of air targets, it is is designed to simulate low-speed drones and helicopters when testing prototype and modernized weapons. It includes a helicopter-type unmanned aerial vehicle with a take-off weight of over 300 kg, a ground control point, ground support facilities for the complex and other equipment.
The UAV complex simulates the behavior of air targets, allowing for the testing of new weapons in conditions as close as possible to combat. The use of "target drone" makes it possible to assess the accuracy of guidance and the effectiveness of hitting targets, a Rostec release said today.

“The development contract was received in 2015, and serial production started in 2019. The first batch of new drones with UAVs has already been transferred to the troops. In addition, we have trained specialists in their use, said Igor Nasenkov, General Director of the Tekhnodinamika Holding.

The multifunctional helicopter drones can also be used for example, for monitoring forest fires, agricultural plantings or transportation of oil products. Therefore, we see great potential for its application in the civilian sphere, he added.

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Cabatli_TR · Dec 23, 2020

Russia is advancing really fast in drone tech field.

Test7 · Jan 12, 2021

Russian S-70 Stealth Attack UAV "Okhotnik"

The Russian Stealth attack drone, S-70 released a bomb from its internal bay hitting a ground target accurately at the Ashuluk range as part of flight tests.
The S-70 drone, also called "Okhotnik" (“Hunter”in Russian) dropped unguided aerial bombs of 500 kilogram caliber from the inner fuselage compartment; Ria Novosti said quoting a military source.

The next round of tests will involve firing of air-to-air missiles. Test launches of combat missiles at air targets should be performed in the second half of this year, the source said
The S-70 is designed to team up with the Su-57 stealth fighter jet and penetrate highly protected air defenses without risk to the Su-57 manned jet.
The source did not state when the bombing took place, but noted that these were not the first tests to destroy ground targets.

"Okhotnik" teaming up with Su-57

The source stressed that "the newest sighting and navigation system installed on the Okhotnik makes it possible to use free-falling ammunition with an accuracy approaching that of a high-precision guided weapon."
The stealth drone is capable of autonomously hitting ground stationary and restrictedly mobile targets with previously known coordinates, including when receiving external target designation in the air.
The Okhotnik attack unmanned aerial vehicle is developed at the Sukhoi Design Bureau. It has a length of 14 meters, a wingspan of 19 meters, and a take-off weight of 20 tons. Its first flight took place on August 3, 2019.

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ANGMAR · Jan 12, 2021

its so similar to the RQ170 Which was shot down by iran
could the Iranians send it to russia ?

TR_123456 · Feb 19, 2021

Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport will hold a public presentation, New Approaches to Building an Integrated Counter-Drone System, at its display stand on February 22, the press office said

Pishchal electro-magnetic gun
© The press service of Rosoboronexport

MOSCOW, February 19. /TASS/. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport (part of the state tech corporation Rostec) will demonstrate a new integrated counter-drone system at the IDEX 2021 international arms show that will run in the United Arab Emirates on February 21-25, the Rosoboronexport press office reported on Friday.

Rosoboronexport will hold a public presentation, New Approaches to Building an Integrated Counter-Drone System, at its display stand on February 22, the press office said.

"As part of the presentation, Rosoboronexport will offer its new package solution: a system capable of effectively countering attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles, combining electronic warfare and air defense systems of various classes," the company said.

According to Rosoboronexport’s data, the company will demonstrate the Repellent-Patrol electronic warfare system capable of jamming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at a range of up to 20 km, the Kupol and Rubezh-Avtomatika complexes that carry out continuous radio surveillance and create a protective dome over a facility as an impenetrable barrier that can repel attacks of separate drones and their groups coming from different directions and altitudes within a radius of at least 3 km, it said.

Rosoboronexport will also showcase the Pishchal electro-magnetic gun, one of the lightest handheld jammers on the market: it weighs a mere about 3.5 kg but can jam UAV control/navigation channels at a range of 2 km, Russia's state arms seller said.

As a hard-kill component of its counter UAV system, Rosoboronexport will offer short-range air defense systems, in particular, the Pantsyr-S1M anti-aircraft missile/gun complex and the Tor surface-to-air missile system. The systems of these classes are capable of effectively destroying various air attack weapons, including drones. The Pantsyr-S1M has missile and gun armament and eliminates air targets at ranges of up to 30 km and at altitudes of up to 18 km, the press office specified.

As the ‘last-ditch’ air defense solutions, Rosoboronexport will offer Verba or Igla-S man-portable air defense (MANPAD) systems, and also Gibka-S MANPAD squad combat vehicles capable of firing Verba or Igla-S missiles. These man-portable air defense systems can destroy targets at a maximum range of 6 km and a maximum altitude of 3.5 km.

"The integrated use of the proposed electronic warfare and air defense assets will enable effective countermeasures against UAVs of any class provided air enemy reconnaissance and automated control systems are in place," Rosoboronexport said.

Russia to feature new integrated counter-drone system at IDEX 2021 arms show

Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport will hold a public presentation, New Approaches to Building an Integrated Counter-Drone System, at its display stand on February 22, the press office said

tass.com

Test7 · May 2, 2021

Deliveries of Russia’s latest heavy Okhotnik drone to the Russian troops are scheduled to begin in 2024, said Andrey Yelchaninov, the first deputy chairman of the Board of the Russian Military-Industrial Commission.

"Okhotnik deliveries to the troops are planned to begin as early as in 2024," he said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, published on Tuesday.
The official reiterated that these drones can operate under control of a fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet pilot.

"These planes and drones can interact not only with each other, but also in various types of combat formations," Yelchaninov said. "Within a very short timeframe, there will be a possibility to control several Okhotnik drones from the Su-57 cockpit."

Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Russia’s Aerospace Forces Lt. Gen. Sergei Dronov said last year that during the development of UAVs, special attention is paid to integrating them into a single system with manned aircraft.

Russia’s Okhotnik heavy attack drone developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau performed its debut flight on August 3, 2019. The flight lasted over 20 minutes under an operator’s control. On September 27, 2019, the Okhotnik performed a flight together with a Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet. The drone maneuvered in the air in the automated mode at an altitude of around 1,600 meters and its flight lasted over 30 minutes.

The Okhotnik features stealth technology and the flying wing design (it lacks the tail) and has a take-off weight of 20 tonnes. The drone has a jet engine and is capable of developing a speed of around 1,000 km/h.

According to the data of Russia’s Defense Ministry, the drone has anti-radar coating and is outfitted with equipment for electro-optical, radar and other types of reconnaissance.