Two aircraft models could become Russia's "stealth twin"

Images of the Okhotnik (Hunter) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Russia's Sukhoi corporation appeared on Russian social media on January 23, apparently taken during a test at the Novosibirsk aircraft factory.

Just a few days earlier, the Su-57 stealth fighter with serial number 053 also appeared with a special camouflage paint scheme, showing the shape of the Okhotnik. The vertical tail fin is painted with the symbol of the Su-57 and Okhotnik flying side by side, with a lightning bolt in the middle. This could be a sign of the Russian Air Force's ambition to develop a pair of stealth fighters to operate together, according toDrive.

"Lightning is often a symbol of electronic connectivity and data sharing. Some new equipment has also appeared on the 053, suggesting it could be used to connect to the Okhotnik or relay information to the ground control station. This will turn the Su-57 and Okhotnik into Russia's stealthy twin fighters in the future," military expert Tyler Rogoway commented..

The Su-57 also appears to serve as a testing ground for technologies that could be applied to the Okhotnik, increasing compatibility between the two aircraft.

"It makes sense to develop a UCAV capable of coordinating combat with manned aircraft, with Okhotnik playing the role of a 'loyal teammate' of the Su-57. The US Air Force is also studying this model with the F-35 super fighter and B-21 bomber," Rogoway added.

Experts say Okhotnik will help Russia address many weaknesses in the Su-57 design, creating a pair of fighters with power far beyond the combat capabilities of two individual aircraft.

The UCAV can operate independently as the “eyes and ears on the battlefield” or connect with the Su-57 fighter jet for precision strikes, reconnaissance or electronic warfare. The Okhotnik will also be deployed to destroy enemy air defense systems, command posts and communications in the early stages of a conflict, paving the way for manned fighters to join the fight.

Experts say the Russian Defense Ministry appears to have deliberately leaked images of the Okhotnik on social media to show off the UCAV’s power before its test flight this year. China did the same when it unveiled its J-20 stealth fighter in 2011.

"This is evidence that Russia is determined to develop stealth UCAVs. China, India and many European countries are also following this path, while the US pretends that the technology of combined combat between fighters and UCAVs does not exist, even though it has long demonstrated its potential," commented analyst Joseph Trevithick.

The Su-57 and Okhotnik duo also help realize the concept of network-centric operations, in which the Su-57s will become command centers for ground forces, air defense, and other aircraft squadrons.

“If Sukhoi keeps to its schedule, we may not have to wait long to see Russia make progress in the field of stealth UCAVs, making the dream of combining fighters with drones a reality,” said expert Trevithick.

Vu Anh