Ukrainian Troops Embrace New "Lyut" Drone for Ground Combat in Ongoing Conflict

Ukrainian forces have recently adopted a new ground combat drone, affectionately nicknamed "the butterfly," which is both lightweight and highly agile. This drone, officially called "Lyut," is equipped with a formidable machine gun that allows troops to engage enemies from a safe distance, contributing to the ongoing efforts in Ukraine's conflict with Russia that has extended over 33 months. Among one hundred new battle drones under evaluation, the Lyut has already seen action with successful missions against Russian troops, notably during recent operations in Kursk.

Just last week, a significant operation took place where Ukrainian forces launched their first attack solely relying on unmanned ground vehicles and First-Person View (FPV) drones, near Lyptsi, north of Kharkiv. According to Ukrainian military reports, this mission was carried out with complete success. The Lyut is crafted in Ukraine and is built to navigate the complexities of the national landscape with ease. This drone can cover distances of up to 12.5 miles and remains operational autonomously for as long as three days.

Equipped with a PKT 7.62mm machine gun, the Lyut effectively serves as a mobile turret. Its design incorporates a 4th-class protective armor, enabling it to withstand incoming fire for a limited time. Furthermore, the drone utilizes fibre-optic cables, enhancing its resistance to Russian electronic countermeasures. Recent enhancements have enabled it to be used for evacuating injured soldiers without exposing medics to danger and for transporting ammunition and supplies. A military source from the 10th Separate Guard Brigade noted that the drone's compact and unusual design might initially mislead observers into perceiving it as a toy, but its battlefield efficiency leaves a significant impact, evoking pride among Ukrainian forces and fear among their adversaries.

Drones and autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly vital in the context of this conflict. Recently, the UK-led international Drone Capability Coalition announced the shipment of 30,000 additional drones to Ukraine as part of a £45 million aid initiative. This coalition aims to enhance Ukraine's uncrewed surveillance and attack capacities, with funding sourced from various nations, including the UK, Denmark, Netherlands, Latvia, and Sweden.