Liutyi: Ukraine’s Long-Range Attack Drone

The AN-196 Liutyi, meaning “fierce” or “furious” in Ukrainian, has emerged as a critical component of Ukraine’s defense strategy. Developed by Ukroboronprom in October 2022, this long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed to target infrastructure deep within Russian territory, mirroring the capabilities of the Russian-fielded Shahed 136 drone [1].

Development and Capabilities

The development of the Liutyi was a direct response to Russia’s use of Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones during the invasion of Ukraine. The goal was to create a UAV capable of delivering a 50-75 kg warhead over distances of 1,000–2,000 kilometers [2]. Despite initial skepticism regarding its size and radar signature, the Liutyi has proven effective in operational scenarios [1].

Early prototypes were largely self-funded by model enthusiasts and faced challenges due to component shortages. The first prototype was completed in the autumn of 2022, with its initial flight on October 22, 2022. Despite a crash during a December 2022 test flight, the drone was quickly repaired thanks to the durability of its electronics and returned to service within three days [1].

Early Trials and Operational Use

One of the earliest documented trials of the Liutyi involved an attempted attack on Zmiinyi (Snake) Island in late April 2023. During this test, the drone experienced autopilot issues, causing it to fly towards the Ukrainian command center. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk ordered combat aircraft to intercept the drone, and operators regained control approximately 30 kilometers from the shore [1].

Recent reports indicate increased use of the Liutyi in attacks on Moscow. On March 16, 2026, Moscow authorities reported a drone attack beginning around 21:00 local time, with reports of multiple drones intercepted by air defenses throughout the night [1]. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported waves of drones, with initial reports of single drones escalating to claims of intercepting six and then eight drones at a time [1]. By early morning, Sobyanin stated that over 250 drones targeting Moscow had been destroyed in the past two days [1].

Specifications

• Type: One-way attack drone (OWA-UAV)
• Place of Origin: Ukraine
• Manufacturer: Antonov ASTC
• Unit Cost: Approximately $200,000 [2]
• Mass: 250–300 kg (550–660 lb)
• Length: 4.4 m (14 ft)
• Wingspan: 6.7 m (22 ft)
• Warhead Weight: 50–75 kg (110–165 lb)
• Engine: 4-valve air-cooled box engine
• Operational Range: 1,000–2,000 km (620–1,240 mi)
• Guidance System: Artificial intelligence, satellite navigation, INS [2]

The Liutyi represents a significant advancement in Ukraine’s drone capabilities, demonstrating the country’s ability to develop and deploy sophisticated, long-range attack UAVs in response to evolving battlefield challenges.