Crash of S-70 Okhotnik UAV Unveils Russia’s New Tactical Strategies in Ukraine

Military Cognizance reports that the Russian military is testing the S-70 Okhotnik heavy attack drone as a platform for deploying the UMPB D-30 smart glide bomb.

New Methods for Deploying Glide Bombs

Military Cognizance reports that fragments of the UMPB D-30 glide bomb were discovered among the debris of the S-70 Okhotnik heavy combat drone captured by Ukraine’s naval forces. This type of bomb was first observed during Russia’s long-range airstrikes on Kharkiv in March 2024.The presence of UMPB D-30 bomb fragments at the crash site indicates that Moscow intends to utilize the S-70 Okhotnik as a carrier for the UMPB D-30 smart glide bomb.

Even before images of the UMPB D-30 bomb fragments gained widespread attention, Military Cognizance highlighted why the S-70 Okhotnik is well-suited for this role. Advanced missions, such as escorting manned fighter jets, remain beyond its capabilities.The choice of the UMPB D-30 over the more commonly used UMPK is driven by the S-70’s design features and stealth characteristics.

The Okhotnik is equipped with an internal weapons bay and lacks underwing hardpoints, making it incompatible with the UMPK, which is typically mounted on larger FAB family bombs.Moreover, the UMPB D-30 boasts a longer range. Unlike the UMPK, which is a free-fall bomb with lifting wings and a guidance system, the UMPB was specifically designed as a glide bomb with a range of up to 90 km. This allows the S-70 to conduct attacks from a safer distance.

Russia promotes the Okhotnik as a stealth drone, suggesting that Moscow may attempt to deploy it closer to the front lines to extend the D-30 UMPB’s strike range deeper into enemy territory.This combination of the drone and glide bomb could be viewed by Russia as an effective solution for its airstrikes in Ukraine. Utilizing such a strategy risks only one drone while maintaining cost-effectiveness compared to deploying manned aircraft like the Su-34, partly due to the UAV’s single-engine design, which lowers maintenance and refueling expenses.

According to Forbes, the Russian Air Force currently relies on approximately 100 Sukhoi Su-34 bombers to deliver glide bombs. However, the Su-34 fleet has faced significant challenges, with Ukrainian air defenses claiming to have shot down at least 29 of these aircraft since the conflict began in February 2022.

Incorporating the S-70 Okhotnik UAV into the glide bombing campaign could provide much-needed relief for the Su-34 regiments and help ensure the safety of pilots, who are considered valuable and difficult to replace.The Okhotnik, which made its maiden flight in 2019, conducted its first bomb test two years later. According to a 2020 plan, Russia aims to begin mass production of these drones starting in 2023.

Prototype or Production Sample

The S-70 Okhotnik made its maiden flight in 2019 and conducted its first bomb test two years later. According to a 2020 plan, Russia aimed to mass-produce these drones starting in 2023. However, Military Cognizance reports that mass production has not yet begun, and Russia currently has only four prototypes, with the latest one recently crashing. As a result, the prospect of squadrons of these drones operating over Ukraine remains distant.Meanwhile, Fighterbomber, an unofficial Telegram channel linked to the Russian Air Force, claims that “Russia has begun massive use of Inokhodets and Okhotnik heavy attack UAVs in the area of special military operations.

” It is evident that Inokhodets have been regularly deployed over Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces reportedly shooting down at least seven of them. However, there is little concrete information regarding the Okhotnik’s contributions to Russian operations.Fighterbomber also stated that the Okhotnik shot down over Ukraine was a production model rather than a prototype, but this claim is difficult to verify.On October 5, Russia confirmed the loss of a heavy stealth UAV, the S-70 Okhotnik, in the Donetsk region, which is controlled by Ukraine. Reports indicate that a pair of aircraft, consisting of a manned Su-57 and the unmanned S-70, took off from Akhtubinsk Air Base, located about 580 km from the front line, for a test flight. A technical malfunction caused the UAV to lose contact with ground controllers, leading it to veer off course into Ukrainian territory.

Radio data from the flight control center revealed that ground commanders instructed the Su-57 pilot accompanying the S-70 to attempt to redirect the UAV’s flight path, even suggesting using the aircraft’s wings to influence its course. Ultimately, the decision was made to launch an air-to-air missile to destroy the S-70.Allowing a UAV to land almost intact on enemy territory could potentially expose its technological secrets. By shooting down the UAV, Russia likely aims to hinder foreign analysts from gaining insights into its technology.Ukrainian experts will examine the wreckage of the recovered UAV, particularly its electronic components, to determine if any foreign components are present, similar to many advanced Russian weapons systems. This analysis could help uncover the supply channels for such components to Russia. While completely cutting off the supply of smuggled goods may not be feasible, further sanctions imposed by the West will likely complicate Russia’s ability to procure critical components for its defense production.

Russia, S-70 Okhotnik, UAV, Inokhodets, glide bombs, military operations, Ukrainian forces, defense technology, air warfare, military news

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