Liutyi (An-196) is one of Ukraine's core long-range fixed-wing strike UAVs used in deep-strike operations against rear military and fuel infrastructure.
As of April 15, 2026, the baseline public parameters in the official track are clear: the platform was accepted into service in 2024, its declared range is up to 2,000 km, and its warhead is listed at 50 to 75 kg.
Operational profile
In open reporting, Liutyi is repeatedly linked to long-range strike waves against refineries, fuel logistics nodes, and other high-value infrastructure deep behind the frontline. Ukrainian defense messaging in late 2024 also highlighted the transfer of thousands of deep-strike UAVs to the military, with An-196 Liutyi included in that category.
Why Liutyi matters
- It extends practical strike depth while keeping campaign costs lower than classic missile options.
- It supports repeatable pressure on strategic targets rather than one-time symbolic strikes.
- It increases flexibility in long-range planning by adding another serial strike platform to the toolkit.
How to frame data correctly
For expert coverage, confirmed baseline figures should be presented as officially announced. Mission-level effectiveness percentages and detailed sortie outcomes should be treated as open-source assessments. Sensitive engineering details, including exact engine type, full mass profile, and guidance architecture, remain only partially disclosed in public.
Liutyi is best understood not as a single headline weapon, but as part of a sustained deep-strike campaign model where range, repeatability, and scalability matter as much as individual strike episodes.
