Ukraine boosts production of deep-strike kamikaze drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has showcased the mass production line of the country’s long-range kamikaze drone, the AN-196 “Liutyi” (Fierce), to the Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee.
The demonstration comes as Ukraine rapidly scales up its drone warfare capabilities, with production figures increasing significantly over the past year.
Early, local media revealed that Ukraine has received over 6,000 long-range strike drones since the beginning of 2024, with the majority being AN-196 “Liutyi.” This represents a dramatic expansion of domestic drone production, reflecting Ukraine’s focus on increasing its ability to strike deep into Russian territory.
The development of the AN-196 “Liutyi” was first announced by Ukraine’s state defense conglomerate UkrOboronProm in October 2022. At that time, it was revealed that the drone would weigh over 200 kg and be capable of delivering a 75 kg warhead to targets more than 1,000 kilometers away.
The drone’s first confirmed combat deployment occurred on May 3, 2023, when Ukrainian forces successfully targeted a Russian oil depot in the village of Volna on the Taman Peninsula, near the Black Sea coast. By August 2023, the first serial batch of deep-strike drones had been delivered to Ukrainian forces, leading to further operations against high-value targets inside Russia.
The first documented long-range attack using the AN-196 took place on September 20, 2023, when a drone launched from Ukraine’s Chernihiv region struck an oil storage facility near an airfield in Sochi. Subsequent attacks followed, including an October 1 strike on a helicopter parking area near the same city. These successful missions underscored the effectiveness of Ukraine’s expanding drone capabilities in targeting critical Russian infrastructure.
The “Liutyi” drone features an integrated twin-boom low-wing airframe constructed primarily from fiberglass reinforced with epoxy resin. The structure also incorporates metal mesh and plywood elements to enhance rigidity. Its warhead is primarily designed for fragmentation damage and may include a shaped charge capability. While initial specifications listed a warhead weight of 75 kg, Russian reports suggest a reduced payload of 50 kg, likely adjusted to optimize range and other operational characteristics.
The guidance system of the AN-196 “Liutyi” includes an inertial navigation unit with satellite-based correction, allowing for autonomous flight to designated targets. A Pitot tube in the nose section measures flight parameters, ensuring stability and precision during operations.
The AN-196 “Liutyi” has played a crucial role in Ukraine’s ability to conduct deep-strike missions against critical Russian infrastructure and military facilities. As Kyiv continues to increase production and refine its capabilities, these drones are expected to remain a key asset in Ukraine’s deep-strike arsenal, further shifting the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
