Russia has reportedly lost one of its most advanced pieces of military technology, the S-70 "Ochotnik" drone.
Only Three Left
Reports from Defence-Ua suggest that one of the few existing S-70 Ochotnik drones, which incorporate stealth technology, have been destroyed during combat operations in Ukraine.
The S-70, also known as "Hunter," is a next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed with a flying wing configuration and advanced capabilities, according to WP.
Initial reports mistook the incident for the downing of a Russian Su-25 aircraft, but further analysis raised the possibility that the vehicle in question was actually the S-70.
If confirmed, the loss would represent a significant blow to Russia, as only three S-70 drones are believed to be operational.
May Have Done it Intentionally
Each drone has an impressive wingspan of 19 meters (62.3 feet) and a length of 14 meters (45.9 feet), making it one of Russia’s largest UAVs.
Although the exact cause of the crash remains unclear, it is speculated that Russian forces may have intentionally downed their own drone to prevent its capture by Ukrainian forces.
Losing control of such advanced technology could have allowed Ukraine or its allies to gain access to the sophisticated systems embedded in the aircraft, prompting Russia to destroy the vehicle preemptively.
The S-70 can carry nearly 3 tons (6,600 pounds) of armaments and reaches speeds of up to 1,400 kilometers per hour (870 mph). Its stealth capabilities and integration with the Su-57 fighter jet make it a cornerstone of Russia’s drone development program.
