On October 5, 2024, a Russian S-70 Okhotnik-B stealth drone was shot down in Ukraine by a Russian Su-57 fighter, raising serious questions about Russian military technology capabilities. This incident not only embarrassed the Russian Air Force but also provided intelligence opportunities for Ukraine and its allies.
What happened?
The S-70 drone was conducting operational trials, during which it was equipped with at least one precision-guided glide bomb. This indicates that the drone was not just on a reconnaissance mission but was actively testing its combat capabilities. When the drone was downed, Russian forces fired an Iskander missile at the crash site in an attempt to destroy all evidence. However, Ukrainian troops managed to recover key parts before the missile strike.
Images recovered from the crash site showed components of the S-70 that had not been previously disclosed, including parts of the glide bomb. This recovery provides crucial information for Ukraine and its Western allies, helping them understand how the drone operates and how they can counter it in future situations.
This incident is concerning for Russia as it raises questions about their advanced technology. The S-70 was designed to be nearly invisible to radar, but the drone’s failure calls into question the effectiveness of this technology.
This is not the first time that concerns have been raised about Russian military technology. Previous reports indicated that other Russian weapons, such as the Kh-101 cruise missile, also suffered from a lack of advanced coatings. Similarly, the Su-57 fighter jet has been criticized for displaying features that make it more visible on radar.
The downing of the S-70 drone highlights major operational issues within the Russian military and raises concerns about their capabilities. As long as the conflict in Ukraine continues, the information gleaned from the drone could change military strategies for both sides. This incident marks an important moment that could have lasting effects on the ongoing war.
