UK NEWS – On Saturday, October 5, 2024, a significant incident unfolded in the skies above Ukraine. Russian and Ukrainian military bloggers released videos capturing a Russian fighter aircraft firing upon and destroying its own S-70 “Okhotnik” Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).
The footage, widely circulated on social media platforms, showcased a Su-57 fighter jet, known to NATO as the “Felon,” engaging the experimental Sukhoi S-70 drone near the Konstantinovka area of Donetsk. The S-70 was designed to operate as a “wingman” for the Su-57, providing aerial support and reconnaissance.
The UCAV, a cutting-edge piece of technology, is one of the world’s largest drones with a substantial weight and impressive dimensions. Developed as a prototype in 2018 with subsequent models completed this year, the S-70 boasts advanced sensors and a significant weapons payload.
Equipped with a modified version of the Su-57’s engine, the drone possesses a remarkable operational range. Its stealth technology, including composite materials and specialized coatings, significantly reduces its radar signature.
Initial speculation regarding the incident suggested that the drone had been shot down by Ukrainian forces or unintentionally by friendly fire. However, a careful analysis of the video footage revealed a different scenario. The video depicted the Su-57 fighter launching a missile at the S-70, effectively destroying it.
While Russian authorities have yet to provide an official statement, military bloggers have speculated that the S-70 may have experienced a malfunction, raising concerns about its potential capture by Ukrainian forces. The incident has sparked discussions among online commentators, with initial reactions suggesting the destruction of a different aircraft. However, the footage clearly depicts the S-70’s descent to the ground.
The drone’s crash resulted in the destruction of a nearby house, further emphasizing the gravity of the incident. The Kremlin had previously promoted the S-70 as a symbol of its advanced military technology, positioning it as a strategic asset for 21st-century warfare. While the loss of a prototype may not pose a significant military setback, the public nature of the incident could have a detrimental impact on morale within the Russian military.
