Russia's Sixth-gen Fighter Jet to be Developed From Okhotnik Attack Drone

Russia will reportedly develop its sixth generation fighter jet based on the prototype of the country’s newest Okhotnik attack drone, TASS reports.

According a defense industry source, although the sixth generation fighter jet project "has not yet taken full shape, its main features are already known", the report says.

"First of all, it should be unmanned and capable of performing any combat task in an autonomous regime. In this sense, Okhotnik will become the prototype of the sixth generation fighter jet,’ the source said, adding that the drone will be able to "take off, fulfill its objectives and return to the airfield."

"However, it will not receive the function of decision-making regarding the use of weapons - this will be decided by a human," he added.

The Russian Defense Ministry and the Sukhoi Company signed a contract for developing the 20-ton Okhotnik (Hunter) heavy unmanned strike aircraft in 2011. According to TASS, the prototype of Okhotnik (Hunter) was ready and would start test flights this year.