Ukrainian enthusiasts have announced the sale of unique souvenirs made from the remains of a Russian S-70 “Okhotnik” (Hunter) secret combat drone, which was downed on October 5, 2024, during a failed operational test flight.
The project, led by Fuselage Creations, has transformed fragments of the drone’s fuselage into collectible items.
The drone, one of Russia’s most advanced unmanned combat systems, crashed in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, after losing control. A Su-57 fighter jet accompanying the drone destroyed it with an air-to-air missile to prevent it from falling into Ukrainian or Western hands.
The S-70 “Okhotnik” was being tested for its ability to operate in coordination with manned aircraft and deliver precision-guided weapons. The test flight, originating from Akhtubinsk Air Base, approximately 365 miles from the front line, ended in failure when the drone veered off course and entered Ukrainian-controlled territory.
Radio intercepts revealed that Russian operators lost control of the drone, prompting them to make the drastic decision to destroy it mid-flight. The crash site yielded wreckage that included components sourced from U.S., German, and Swiss manufacturers, highlighting the integration of Western technologies into the Russian drone. Ukrainian forces also recovered remnants of a UMPK D-30 guided bomb based on the FAB-250, which suggests the S-70 was testing its bombing capabilities.
The Russian Ministry of Defense had touted the S-70 as a cutting-edge “loyal wingman” for the Su-57, capable of engaging in complex missions and deploying advanced airborne weaponry. However, the incident raises questions about the drone’s reliability in live combat and its ability to execute sophisticated operations.
The S-70 program, initiated in 2017 and developed by the Chkalov Aviation Plant in Novosibirsk, has been a centerpiece of Russia’s next-generation UAV efforts. Despite years of testing, the platform remains largely experimental, with limited operational success.
