British Intelligence Labels Downing of Russia’s “Okhotnik” Drone a Costly Military Blunder

British intelligence has described the downing of Russia’s S-70 “Hunter” drone as another expensive and embarrassing failure in the country’s military technology development.

According to a report from the UK Ministry of Defence dated October 15, the incident occurred on October 5, when Russia shot down its own unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while it was flying west over the front line in Ukraine.

The British assessment indicates that Russia lost control of the drone and opted to destroy it to prevent it from falling into Ukrainian hands. The S-70, developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi, has been in development for at least a decade and has been observed during testing at a Russian airbase in Akhtubinsk.

The S-70 drone is designed to have a reduced effective radar cross-section, allowing it to penetrate enemy air defenses and conduct deep strike missions. It is expected to work in conjunction with the Su-57 fighter jet.

Development of this heavy UAV began in 2012, following a declaration of intent in 2009 to create a strike drone of this class. The heavy drone was expected to have a takeoff weight of between 10 to 20 tons and to carry guided missiles and bombs within its internal payload compartment, as well as on underwing hardpoints.

Previously, on October 5, an aerial target was shot down near Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region. Initial assessments suggested it could be a Su-25 or Su-34 aircraft, but subsequent videos indicated it was indeed the S-70 “Hunter.”