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Su-57 Fighter to Carry Out Four Okhotnik Combat Drone Attacks at the Same Time

Not a day goes by without some new rumors about Russia’s military development, which are eventually confirmed, or sometimes not. This time, it looks like the “war of drones” concept is getting closer to turning into reality, as fighter jets become capable of coordinating not just one, but 4 simultaneous drone attacks.
The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia's 5th generation fighter jet 6 photos
Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense
Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jetSukhoi Su-57 fighter jetSukhoi Su-57 fighter jetSukhoi Su-57 fighter jetSukhoi Su-57 fighter jet
The Sukhoi Su-57, which was first tested around 11 years ago, is Russia’s 5th generation multi-role fighter that can take on air, ground and naval threats, while flying at a supersonic cruising speed. Designed to be able to perform in any type of future combat scenarios, including electronic warfare, it’s not only equipped with an advanced onboard radio-electronic system, but even its aerodynamic silhouette gives it increased stealth, making it harder to be detected by radars.

Now, the Su-57, which has entered service with the Russian Armed Forces only last year, is rumored to soon be able to coordinate the operations of 2 to 4 of the latest Okhotnik drones. According to the Russian media, representatives of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) said that work is currently being done on the possibility of controlling up to 4 drones from the cockpit of a Su-57. In upcoming operations, the fighter jet’s pilot will be able to command multiple Okhotnik drone attacks, aimed at both aerial and ground targets.

A few years ago, there were also rumors going on about the Okhotnik heavyweight drone, which made its official debut in 2019. Back then, there wasn’t a lot of information released about this innovative drone, capable of surveillance as well as strikes, which was supposed to challenge the U.S.’s military drone supremacy. Like the Su-57 fighter, Okhotnik also has a reduced radar signature, thanks to its special design, and, at 20 tons, it’s able to reach a 620 mph (1,000 kph) speed.

The Su-57 and the Okhotnik strike drone first flew together in 2019, when the drone performed several maneuvers in automated mode, over a 30-minute flight. Serial deliveries of the Okhotnik won’t start until 3 years from now, which means there’s plenty of time to continue testing Su-57 coordinated drone attacks.
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About the author: Otilia Drăgan
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Otilia believes that if it’s eco, green, or groundbreaking, people should know about it (especially if it's got wheels or wings). Working in online media for over five years, she's gained a deeper perspective on how people everywhere can inspire each other.
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