According to the magazine Forbes, it is likely about the stealth drone Suchoi S-70 Ochotnik. S-70 is designed to operate together with the fifth-generation Russian fighter plane, Su-57. It is much larger than other drones and can carry up to two tons of weapons, and according to what is known, only a few prototypes exist so far.
It is unclear who shot down the drone, Ukraine or Russia. In recordings, a subsequent fighter plane is seen shooting down the drone, which crashes to the ground, as shown by, among others, NRK.
Something may have gone wrong during a training flight, and the Russians may have shot down the drone to avoid it falling into Ukrainian hands, according to Lars Peder Haga at the Air Force Academy.
It was hardly an accident, he says to NRK.
In that case, it would be a prestige loss for Russia, adds Haga.
The wreckage will now be examined by Ukraine.
Ukraine's military confirms to the public service company Suspilne that a Russian fighter plane was shot down in Kostiantynivka on Saturday, without giving any details.
