Expensive and embarrassing failure: British intelligence analyses effectiveness of Russian 'Hunter' drone

The UK Ministry of Defense reported this.

According to intelligence, the drone, which was flying west of the front line, lost contact with the operators, and Russia decided to destroy it to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

The ministry noted that the S-70, developed by Sukhoi, has been in development for at least a decade and was spotted during tests at the Russian airbase in Akhtubinsk.

Its key feature is a reduced radar cross-section, which should make it a ‘stealth’ system capable of penetrating radar and air defense systems. The system is supposed to work in conjunction with the Su-57 FELON fighter.

The destruction of the S-70, according to British intelligence, indicates serious problems in the development and operation of Russian unmanned systems.

‘It is likely Russia waited to the last moment before choosing to engage the UCAV having exhausted attempts to bring it back under control. This demonstrates yet another expensive and embarrassing failure of Russian weapons developers and will almost certainly delay the S-70 program,’ the ministry added.

• Over the past 24 hours, the Russian occupation army lost 1,210 soldiers in the war in Ukraine. Defense forces of Ukraine destroyed 13 tanks and 44 enemy armoured vehicles.