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Introduction
Su-57 loyal wingman capability transforms the Felon from a solo fighter into a battlefield commander.
Through an encrypted AI data link, a single Su-57 pilot can control a stealthy S-70 Okhotnik-B combat drone. The drone flies ahead into danger, shares real-time sensor data, and engages targets on command. Russia is so committed to this concept that it has designed a dedicated twin-seat Su-57 variant specifically for drone control missions.
This post explains the Su-57 loyal wingman system in plain language. You will learn how the AI data link works. You will see what the S-70 Okhotnik can do. And you will understand why this capability is central to Russia’s future air combat strategy.
For the big picture on all of the Su-57’s AI systems, see our pillar post on Su-57 fighter artificial intelligence . For details on the electronic co-pilot that manages the fighter itself, read our Su-57 AI co-pilot system guide .
How the AI Data Link Works
The foundation of Su-57 loyal wingman operations is a secure, AI-managed communications channel.
The connection between the Su-57 and the S-70 Okhotnik-B uses noise-immune coding. This protects the data link from jamming and interception. The AI continuously monitors signal quality and adjusts the transmission parameters to maintain a stable connection even in heavily contested electronic warfare environments.
Through this link, the Su-57 pilot assigns missions to the drone. The commands are high-level: fly to a specific area, search for air defense radars, or engage a designated target. The Okhotnik-B’s own onboard AI then handles the details. It plans the flight path, manages its sensors, and executes the mission autonomously.
The drone streams real-time video, radar data, and target coordinates back to the Su-57. The pilot sees everything the drone sees. This shared situational awareness allows the human operator to make informed decisions without being physically present in the danger zone.
What the S-70 Okhotnik-B Brings to the Fight
The S-70 Okhotnik-B is not a simple target drone. It is a stealthy, combat-capable unmanned aircraft designed to operate alongside the Su-57 loyal wingman network.
The flying-wing design reduces its radar signature, making it difficult for enemy air defenses to detect and track. It can carry air-to-ground munitions, including precision-guided bombs and anti-radiation missiles. Its internal weapons bay preserves stealth characteristics.
In a typical mission, the Okhotnik-B flies ahead of the manned Su-57. It penetrates contested airspace that would be too dangerous for a piloted aircraft. It identifies and tracks enemy air defense systems. Then it either relays the coordinates for the Su-57 to engage from a safe distance or attacks the target itself.
This division of labor maximizes survivability. The expensive, hard-to-replace human pilot stays out of the highest-threat zones. The relatively cheaper drone absorbs the risk. If the drone is lost, the mission continues.
The Twin-Seat Su-57 Variant
To fully exploit the Su-57 loyal wingman concept, Russia has proposed a dedicated twin-seat variant.
The current Su-57 is a single-seat aircraft. Managing multiple drones while simultaneously flying the jet and monitoring aerial threats creates an overwhelming workload for one pilot. The twin-seat design solves this problem by adding a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) in the rear cockpit.
The WSO acts as a drone mission commander. They control a swarm of Okhotnik-B drones, assign tasks, and monitor their sensor feeds. Meanwhile, the front-seat pilot focuses exclusively on flying the aircraft and responding to immediate aerial threats. This turns the Su-57 into a miniature airborne early warning and control (Mini-AWACS) platform.
Russia has been pitching this twin-seat variant aggressively to India. The proposal includes local manufacturing and full technology transfer, including the AI source code that manages the drone data link.
For details on the India export strategy, see our Su-57E India technology transfer analysis .
Operational Impact and Future Plans
Su-57 loyal wingman operations are already being refined based on combat experience.
Reports from the Ukraine conflict indicate that Russia has tested various forms of manned-unmanned teaming in real combat conditions. While specific details remain classified, the lessons learned are feeding directly into the Su-57M upgrade program. The 5.5-generation variant, expected later in 2026, will feature enhanced drone control capabilities and faster data links.
For the full upgrade roadmap, see our Su-57M to M2 AI upgrade timeline .
Conclusion
Su-57 loyal wingman technology represents a fundamental shift in air combat tactics. The ability to command stealthy, armed drones from the cockpit of a fighter jet extends the pilot’s reach, reduces risk, and multiplies combat effectiveness. The S-70 Okhotnik-B is not just a support tool; it is a force multiplier that changes the calculus of aerial engagements.
As Russia refines this capability and exports it to partner nations, the line between manned and unmanned combat aircraft will continue to blur. The Su-57 is not just a fighter. It is a flying command center for the autonomous battlefields of the future.
