On Saturday, October 5, multiple reports emerged suggesting that Russian forces may have downed their own combat aircraft over the city of Kostiantynivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
Several Telegram channels initially reported the incident, with speculation that the aircraft was mistakenly destroyed in a friendly fire incident.
According to sources, the downed aircraft was initially identified by Russian military bloggers as an unmanned aerial vehicle, but further analysis of debris from the crash site revealed that the wreckage belonged to Russia’s advanced S-70 ‘Hunter’ drone.
The S-70, a stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), represents one of Russia’s latest developments in drone technology. Designed for a variety of roles including reconnaissance and precision strikes, the S-70 is part of Moscow’s broader effort to modernize its military capabilities.
— MilitaryAviationInUa (@MilAviaUA) October 5, 2024
This incident, if confirmed, would underscore ongoing issues with coordination and communication among Russian forces, which have been highlighted multiple times since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. While friendly fire incidents are not uncommon in conflict zones, the loss of such a high-value piece of military hardware would be a blow to Russia’s air and drone warfare capabilities.
Russian military officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, and no detailed information has been provided on how the incident occurred. However, it has sparked conversation on social media and among defense analysts regarding the possible causes of the misfire and the current state of Russian drone operations in Ukraine.
Designed by Sukhoi and Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, the S-70 is envisioned as a sixth-generation aircraft project. The drone’s design is based on the earlier Mikoyan Skat, incorporating technologies from the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has reportedly ordered three new prototypes of the S-70, which will serve as a “wingman” drone for the fifth-generation SU-57 fighter jet but can also be operated from the ground.
The first prototype of the S-70 was completed in 2018, with two additional prototypes slated for completion in 2024.