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Ukraine Turns Its Suicide Drone Into a Cruise Missile Carrier
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine has publicly showcased a new reusable version of its domestically developed An-196 Liutyi long-range drone equipped with four compact air-launched cruise missiles, marking a potential evolution of a platform previously known as a one-way strike drone.
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The configuration was displayed at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, where the drone appeared on the stand of Ukraine’s defense industry. According to Ukrainian defense outlet Oboronka, the new variant carries four small missiles with a stated range of up to 200 kilometers and a reported speed of around 500 km/h.
According to Oboronka, the aircraft represents the first publicly displayed reusable version of the Liutyi platform.
The missiles' warhead weight has not been disclosed. Based on their compact dimensions, the outlet noted they are likely designed to carry a smaller payload than conventional air-launched guided munitions, with part of their weight allocated to propulsion and fuel. The weapons appear to resemble miniature cruise missiles rather than glide bombs.
Photos from the exhibition show the drone carrying four missiles beneath its wings. The displayed aircraft also lacked an electro-optical targeting system, which may indicate that the weapons are intended to strike pre-programmed coordinates using onboard navigation rather than real-time target designation.
However, neither the drone’s manufacturer nor Ukrainian officials have confirmed the guidance method. Oboronka noted that a fully equipped operational configuration could be presented at a later stage.
If developed into an operational system, the reusable Liutyi would represent a significant departure from its original role as a long-range one-way attack drone.
Defense Express suggests the platform could evolve into a multi-role reconnaissance and strike UAV capable of carrying different types of precision-guided munitions, similar in concept to systems such as the Bayraktar TB2, while also potentially serving as a carrier for other payloads.
According to Defense Express, one possible reason for developing the reusable version is the growing role of Ukraine’s FP-1 long-range strike drones, which are believed to offer comparable range at lower cost. A reusable platform capable of launching stand-off weapons could provide additional flexibility while preserving the aircraft for multiple missions.
The An-196 Liutyi has become one of Ukraine’s best-known domestically developed long-range strike drones during Russia’s full-scale invasion.
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Open-source information indicates the aircraft uses inertial navigation with satellite correction, follows complex pre-programmed routes, and has an estimated strike range of 1,400–2,000 kilometers. The original one-way attack variant reportedly carried a 50–75 kg warhead.
The missile-armed Liutyi follows a broader trend in Ukraine’s development of long-range strike drones capable of carrying stand-off weapons. In May 2026, videos analyzed by Defense Express showed Ukrainian FP-1 and FP-2 drones launching unguided aircraft rockets at Russian mobile interception teams, marking the first publicly documented use of such weapons on the platforms.
The drones were reportedly equipped with underwing rocket launchers carrying up to eight unguided rockets, intended to suppress Russian air defense crews before continuing their missions.
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