Keywords: Liutyi drone, AN-196 Liutyi, Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV development, drone warfare, Ukrainian drone strikes
The AN-196 Liutyi, translating to “fierce” or “furious” in Ukrainian, is a domestically developed long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) introduced by Ukroboronprom in October 2022. Designed to counter the Russian deployment of Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones, the Liutyi has played a pivotal role in Ukraine’s strategic operations, targeting critical infrastructure within Russian territory.
Development History
In response to Russia’s utilization of Shahed-136 drones during the invasion of Ukraine, Ukroboronprom announced the development of the Liutyi in October 2022. The objective was to create a UAV capable of delivering a 75 kg warhead over distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers. Despite initial skepticism due to its substantial size and radar signature, the Liutyi has proven its efficacy in operational scenarios.
The development faced several challenges, including competition with established UAVs like the Bayraktar TB2, limited domestic manufacturing capabilities for long-range drones, and funding constraints. The initial prototype was self-funded by model enthusiasts and encountered numerous obstacles due to a lack of components. The first prototype was completed in the autumn of 2022, with its maiden flight on October 22, 2022. Despite a crash during a test flight in December 2022, the durable electronics allowed for repairs, and the drone returned to the skies within three days.
The first prototype of Liutyi UAV
A notable incident occurred in late April 2023 during a trial aimed at attacking Snake Island. The Liutyi drone lost remote control and, carrying 50 kg of explosives, inadvertently headed towards its own flight control center. The situation was resolved when operators regained control approximately 30 kilometers from the coast.
Technical Specifications
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Type: Loitering munition
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Weight: 250–300 kilograms
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Length: 4.4 meters
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Wingspan: 6.7 meters
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Warhead Weight: 50–75 kilograms
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Engine: Four-valve air-cooled boxer engine
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Range: 1,000–2,000 kilometers
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Guidance System: Artificial intelligence, satellite navigation, and inertial navigation system
These specifications endow the Liutyi with the capability to conduct deep strikes with high precision, making it a formidable asset in Ukraine’s military arsenal.
The drone’s propulsion system includes a gasoline engine with a three-blade propeller mounted at the rear, allowing for a heavy explosive payload in the nose. Its modular design facilitates easy disassembly, transport, and maintenance, and it can be launched from various locations, including roads, enhancing its operational flexibility.
Operational Use and Impact
Since its deployment, the Liutyi drone has been instrumental in Ukraine’s offensive operations, particularly in targeting Russian oil refineries and industrial facilities. Notably, on November 25, 2024, a Liutyi drone equipped with an upgraded 75 kg warhead successfully struck the Saratov Oil Refinery, located over 600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Reports indicate that the Liutyi is responsible for approximately 80% of successful Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities, underscoring its operational effectiveness.
The integration of artificial intelligence in the Liutyi’s guidance system has enhanced its precision and resilience against electronic warfare measures. This technological advancement has significantly disrupted Russian oil production, with estimates suggesting that 12–14% of Russia’s refining capacity has been rendered offline due to these drone strikes.
The first successful strike by the Liutyi drone targeted an oil depot inside Russian territory.
In March 2025, Ukrainian An-196 Liutyi long-range kamikaze drones attacked the 333rd combat training center near Mulino in the Nizhny Novgorod region, a facility equipped with modern electronic training equipment and a large proving ground for conducting mock battles.
Liutyi Drone: Advanced Navigation Capabilities with Skynode S
The Liutyi drone, developed by Ukraine’s defense industry, has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in navigating complex routes to evade Russian air defenses. This capability is largely attributed to the integration of the Skynode S universal machine vision system, developed by the American company Auterion in collaboration with U.S., EU, and Ukrainian governmental and industry partners.
Skynode S is an all-in-one flight control and mission computing solution that enables drones to operate autonomously, even in environments with degraded or jammed GPS signals. By employing advanced machine vision algorithms, Skynode S allows drones to compare real-time visual data with high-resolution satellite maps, facilitating precise navigation over long distances without reliance on satellite navigation.
This technology significantly enhances the drone’s ability to execute complex flight paths, effectively avoiding radar detection and electronic warfare countermeasures. The implementation of Skynode S has reportedly increased mission success rates from 20% to over 90%, underscoring its critical role in modern drone operations.
Furthermore, Skynode S supports swarm control and fully autonomous flight, providing drones like the Liutyi with unprecedented accuracy and operational flexibility. Its open architecture facilitates seamless integration into various unmanned aerial systems, making it a versatile solution for enhancing drone capabilities in contested environments.
Skynode S is an all-in-one flight control and mission computing solution that enables drones to operate autonomously, even in environments with degraded or jammed GPS signals.
The integration of Skynode S into the Liutyi drone exemplifies the synergy between Ukrainian defense initiatives and international technological advancements, resulting in a formidable asset capable of precise and resilient operations in complex combat scenarios.
The development and deployment of the Liutyi drone exemplify Ukraine’s commitment to advancing its indigenous defense capabilities. Its success in executing strategic strikes deep within enemy territory highlights the evolving nature of drone warfare and its profound impact on modern conflicts.
