Plane or drone? What we know about Russia's friendly fire incident near Kostiantynivka
Photo: Okhotnik (Hunter) UAV prototype (mil.ru)
Today, an aerial target was shot down in the skies near Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region. Initially, it was believed to be a Su-25 or Su-34 (carriers of KABs), but later videos emerged supporting the version that it was Okhotnik (Hunter) drone.
RBC-Ukraine has gathered information about the incident and the Russian drone.
Contents
What happened near Kostiantynivka
In the afternoon, videos appeared on Telegram channels showing what is believed to be an aircraft falling in the Kostiantynivka area.
Later, photos of the debris emerged, featuring the distinctive red star emblem associated with Russian aviation.
Photo: the wreckage of an air target
According to Serhii Horbunov, the head of the Kostiantynivka city military administration, the aircraft was shot down by Ukrainian forces.
"Debris partially fell around the city of Kostiantynivka. Some debris also landed in the residential sector, damaging several private homes. There are no casualties or injuries reported from this incident," he told Suspilne Donbas.
However, a source from the Ukrainian Defense Forces later informed RBC-Ukraine that the aerial target was not shot down by Ukrainian troops but rather as a result of so-called "friendly fire." Details about whether the target was a Su-25 or Su-34, as claimed in the social media posts, were not provided. Notably, other videos also showed two objects in the sky, and the one trailing behind likely shot down the object in front with a missile.
Russian Z-channels assert that the downed aircraft was not a Su-25, but rather the heavy strike drone S-70 Okhotnik (Hunter). Allegedly, this was due to failed testing when the operator lost control of the drone, leading to an order to shoot it down to prevent the unique drone from falling into Ukrainian hands.
“Drone Hunter or 'We build it, we shoot it down. Just to spite the enemies,” said Oleksii Biloshytskyi, the first deputy head of the Patrol Police Department, ironically reacting to the incident.
About the UAV
According to the Ukrainian specialized portal Defense Express, it is highly probable that the Russians have experienced their first combat loss of the new S-70 'Hunter' drone, which exists in only a few units.
Analysts believe that the fact of "friendly fire" is actually less significant than the type of target that was shot down as a result.
The loss of this rare drone has already been reported by the Russian channel Fighterbomber. Interestingly, Russian propaganda presents the situation as positive, claiming that only a drone was shot down, and that Russia is already extensively using both the "Orion" and "Hunter" drones, which are allegedly invulnerable to air defense systems.
When it comes to the Hunter, the scale of production seems unlikely. Open sources indicate that Russia currently has only three prototypes of such drones. Three more are under construction, and Russia has repeatedly postponed the start of serial production.
It is important to note that while last year the enemy claimed they would begin serial production in 2025, they have since stated it will be postponed to the second half of 2024.
Defense Express believes that before sending the S-70 into series production, the Russians decided to test the prototypes in combat. It is unknown how long the drone was conducting missions before its destruction, but it seems that soon the enemy will have a new means of attack at their disposal.
Plans to obtain an attack drone of this class were first announced in August 2009, with development beginning in 2012 when the design company Sukhoi was chosen. The heavy drone was supposed to have a takeoff weight of between 10 and 20 tons. In addition to Sukhoi, the MiG company is also involved in the project.
In August 2019, the Hunter completed its first flight, lasting over 20 minutes at an altitude of about 600 meters.
Declared specifications:
- length: 14 m
- wingspan: 19 m
- payload capacity: 2.8 t, according to other sources, up to 8 t
- takeoff weight: 25 t
- maximum speed: 1400 km/h (at low altitude), according to other sources, about 1000 km/h
- service ceiling: 18,000 m
- flight range: 6000 km
The drone can likely carry guided missiles, guided bombs, and unguided bombs in an internal payload compartment, as well as on underwing suspension points.
Thus, it can be assumed that Russia intends to employ aircraft that, judging by a number of characteristics, are effectively unmanned combat aircraft.
Sources: Telegram channels, statements from officials, comments from a source in the Defense Forces provided to RBC-Ukraine, and publications from the specialized outlet Defense Express.
