First Flight of Russia’s Futuristic Okhotnik-B Stealth Drone Confirmed

Following its unveiling in July 2018, where it was seen taxiing at the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association plant in Southwestern Siberia, Russia’s Okhotnik-B ‘Hunter’ stealth drone has drawn considerable attention from analysts across the world. The aircraft represents one of very few entirely new heavyweight combat airframes developed since the Soviet collapse alongside the Su-57 air superiority fighter, the the majority of modern Russian combat platforms being heavily enhanced derivatives of Soviet era airframes such as the Su-34 strike fighter and Tu-160M2 bomber. The aircraft is expected to be allocated a number of roles, including supporting the Su-57 for penetration of enemy airspace and air superiority missions as well as independent strike missions of its own. The weapons systems which will be deployed by Okhotnik-B, and whether it will deploy long range air to air missiles as many sources have speculated, remains uncertain.

The Okhotnik-B made its first flight on August 3rd. 2019, according to reports from the Russian Defense Ministry, although no footage of the flight has been released. The Defense Ministry stated: “The first flight took place at 12.20 Moscow time and lasted for over 20 minutes.” The aircraft reportedly made several circles around the airfield at a low 600 meter altitude before landing. Plans for close coordination between the aircraft and the Su-57 have been repeatedly hinted at in reports, with one Su-57 fighter even featuring an Okhotnik-B insignia on its tail. With Russia reportedly intending to develop the Su-57 into a sixth generation combat jet, synergy with a drone such as the Okhotnik-B could be a key new feature to provide the fighter with an edge over rival high end platforms such as the upcoming American Penetrating Counter Air Fighter.