Russia looks ahead to 2024 for Okhotnik rollout
The Okthotnik UCAV (top of picture) with an Su-57 fighter aircraft. (Photo: Sukhoi)
Russian planners want multiple Okhotniks to be controlled from the cockpit of an Su-57 fighter.
The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) are set to take on strength the first production-standard S-70 Okhotnik jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) by 2024.
This was revealed in April 2021 by Andrey Yelchaninov, first deputy chairman of the board of the Russian Military-Industrial Commission.
He said the jet-powered UCAV would use manned-unmanned teaming technology, operating alongside Su-57 fifth-generation fighters on order for the VKS with 77 units set for delivery until 2028.
Currently, a lone Okhotnik prototype is undergoing intensive flight testing, including demonstrations of live weapon drops, and three more are scheduled for production to join the testing and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS]()
Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS
The possible sale for nine HH-60W by the US government could make Norway the first Foreign Military Sale customer for the rescue and combat helicopter and add to the country’s ongoing acquisition of Sikorsky-made helicopters.
-
![Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane]()
Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
-
![National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme]()
National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
