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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)]()
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
![USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026]()
USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026
The T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the US Air Force reaching Milestone C is the first step towards production for the first batch of 14 aircraft, with training expected to start by 2028.
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
