Sukhoi employs a new strategy that is very different from the F-35 and J-20.
Published: September 12, 2025, 11:47pm
New Delhi: For the past few years, the Russian stealth fighter jet SU-57 has been constantly criticized for its technology. Most world defense experts called Russian fifth-generation fighters weaker than American F-35s and Chinese J-20 stealth fighters as weaker. However, Russia added such capabilities to the SU-57, which left China and the US on fire.
Adding UAVs
The Sukhoi Design Bureau, a Russian company that manufactures the SU-57 fighter jet, is converting unmanned fighter jets (UAVs) into a network-centric platform where the aircraft’s manifold firepower increases. Sukhoi’s new strategy differs from fighter jets such as the American F-35 and the Chinese J-20. This is because it added a combined combat system for manned and unmanned aircraft, not just fighter jets.
Combat and Support Drone
Sukhoi’s assistant director, Mikhail Strelets, told Russian news agency Tass that it was very expensive and dangerous to penetrate a multi-layered air defense system with only piloted aircraft. So the future direction will be such a functional complex, with each platform having different targets and missions. With this idea, Sukhoi has developed eight different combat and support drones, many of which have been revealed publicly. Straight “is working on around eight different UAV variants at the moment.” These drones can fire from the SU-57 fighter jet itself and attack enemy targets like cruise missiles.
Among the drones installed on the SU-57 fighter jet, the three drones are the S-70 Okhotnik Low Obervorative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and the S-71M “Monochrome” Advanced Autoromous.
S-70 okhotnik (Hunter)
The most dangerous of these is the S-70 “okhotnik” (Hunter). This is a heavy UCAV weighing 20-22 tons. It can reach speeds of 1000 km/h. Equipped with a flying wing design and a single engine, this drone has many stealth features, making it easier to see than the SU-57. According to a 2019 report, it is equipped with multi-function radar and active phase array antennas. The drone was also deployed in the Ukrainian War and has been working on a spy mission.
S-71M and S-71K
Sukhoi’s next big bet is the S-71 series, which includes two variations: the S-71M (monochrome) and the S-71K “carpet”. Both are Air Force UAVs, but their roles are different. The S-71K is large and can be used as a cruise missile. It can be equipped with clusters, highly explosive, type-charging warheads.
The S-71M is more advanced and can search, identify and attack targets on its own. This drone can enter enemy territory and run missions to return. The American F-35 and J-20 fighters do not have that ability. In other words, Russian fighters have created a new path for modern warfare.
Highlights
Russian stealth fighter jets beat the US and Chinese jets. Russia has added new features to the SU-57. Currently, the UAV will increase the firepower of the aircraft’s manifold. Sukhoi develops eight different combat and support drones.
The most dangerous is the S-70 “Okhotnik” (Hunter). This is a heavy UCAV weighing 20-22 tons. It can reach speeds of 1000 km/h. Equipped with a flying wing design and a single engine, this drone has many stealth features, making it easier to see than the SU-57.
