Recent reporting from a Western outlet highlights ongoing work to mesh advanced Russian Su-57 fighters with unmanned systems as part of contemporary air campaigns. Analysts observe that the Su-57 continues to play a role in operations over Ukraine, taking on tasks aimed at suppressing Ukrainian air defenses and delivering precision strikes at extended ranges. The evolving combination of stealthy manned fighters and autonomous platforms points to a broader ambition: to create more capable, multi-domain air defenses that can operate in concert with allied systems.
New plans are circulating to pair the Su-57 with a low-observable wooden drone fighter nicknamed the Hunter. These UAVs are designed for high stealth, long-range engagement, and rapid tempo. When operated alongside piloted aircraft, such unmanned platforms could substantially increase the overall effectiveness of air groups, enabling longer reach, improved persistence, and more flexible hierarchies of air power in contested environments. The concept reflects a strategic push toward integrated air operations where humans and machines share the workload and decision cycles on the battlefield.
The S-70 Okhotnik, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and introduced in 2019, embodies a flying-wing concept that emphasizes stealth and heavy payload potential. The drone measures about 14 meters in length, spans roughly 19 meters across its wings, and carries a takeoff weight near 20 tons. In formation with traditional fighters, the Okhotnik is envisioned as a formidable partner that can extend reach, deliver standoff effects, and operate behind the lines to tighten the tempo of air campaigns. Its role is often described as augmenting the sensor envelope and striking power available to human pilots in complex battlespace conditions.
At the Army-2023 forum, Russian defense leadership affirmed continued support for drone programs and underscored strategic capabilities designed to complement frontline fighters. The emphasis was on practical integration, with an eye toward operational concepts that fuse piloted and autonomous systems to achieve synchronized, layered air operations. The narrative points to a long-term trend: air power that blends human decision-making with autonomous platforms to ensure resilience and adaptability on the modern battlefield.
Taken together, the ongoing development of the Su-57 alongside the Okhotnik and other unmanned systems signals a clear trajectory toward more interconnected air operations. The aim is to elevate suppression of adversary defense systems, extend the reach of precision strikes, and create more flexible, resilient air campaigns capable of adapting to a variety of combat scenarios. This approach reflects a broader shift in how air forces intend to project power, leveraging both piloted and autonomous platforms to maintain strategic advantages in high-stakes environments (Source: Military Watch Magazine).