Large-scale production of S-70 Okhotnik will start soon!

The war in Ukraine has become a real-life testing ground for advanced weaponry, with drones taking center stage. Among these innovations is the S-70 Okhotnik, also known as Hunter-B. This unmanned combat aerial vehicle signifies Russia's push towards integrating high-tech stealth and combat capabilities into its drone fleet. The Kremlin boasts that the S-70 will be a game-changer on the battlefield and NATO is definitely watching closely.
Russia initially planned a swift deployment of the S-70, with deliveries slated for 2024. However, this timeline has been a moving target. In April 2023, production was pushed back to no earlier than 2025. Now, recent reports suggest a potential return to a late 2024 production start. This statement was revealed by the Novosibirsk district vice-governor, where the production of this unmanned drone will take place. This inconsistency timeline leads us to confusion: when will the S-70 see service, and what role will it have in the ongoing conflict?
Before delving into this question, let's take a closer look at the S-70’s capabilities to understand its potential role on the battlefield, whenever that may be.