On October 5, 2024, during military operations in the Donetsk People’s Republic, near the village of Konstantinovka west of Toretsk, an S-70 Okhotnik-B unmanned aerial vehicle was deliberately shot down by Russian forces. The incident was caused by a strike from an R-74M missile launched from a Su-57 fighter. Russian sources speculate that a failure in communication and target designation led to the incident. Other potential causes include technical issues with the UAV’s “friend or foe” identification system. The Su-57’s S-111-N communication system is designed to integrate the Su-57 and S-70 into a single network, enabling the Su-57 to control the UAV as an “unmanned wingman.” This allows for joint operations, including radar and electronic reconnaissance, as well as long-range air combat using R-77-1 missiles guided by the Su-57’s N036 Belka radar.
If the Su-35 and Su-57 could utilize their L-band AESA wing-mounted radar antennas as an L-band datalink, similar to the NATO Link 12 communication system, the S-70 could use the same equipment to communicate. While it’s known that these antennas are used for detecting stealth targets, Russian sources haven’t confirmed their use for NATO communication interception. The S-70 could simply use a radio or datalink operating at the same frequency as an L-band radar to communicate with the Su-57 or Su-35. However, equipping it with an L-band radar would provide additional benefits, such as early warning against stealth aircraft and enhanced target detection capabilities. A fleet of Su-57s or Su-35s with S-70 wingmen would significantly increase the number of platforms capable of detecting stealth targets and conducting cooperative operations. L-band radars are less affected by aircraft shaping, making them more effective against stealth targets. The S-70’s stealth design allows it to operate closer to enemy territory, providing a tactical advantage.
While the S-70 is vulnerable to advanced air defenses, its stealth characteristics, long range, and endurance make it a valuable asset. Its ability to perform ISR missions and strike targets of opportunity is crucial for modern warfare. The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B stealth features are still under development, and its current stealth coating falls short of the advanced technology used in Western stealth bombers. While it has made strides in reducing its radar signature, it remains a work in progress to achieve the same level of invisibility as its Western counterparts.