AN-196 Liutyi
Deep Strike UAV

Modelsvit, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The AN-196 Liutyi ("Fierce") is a Ukrainian long-range one-way attack drone developed in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Designed and produced by Ukraine's domestic defence industry, with involvement from Antonov and Ukroboronprom, the Liutyi was conceived as a low-cost strategic strike weapon capable of reaching targets far beyond the front line. In many respects, it represents Ukraine's answer to the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones employed extensively by Russian forces.

Unlike the delta-wing Shahed, the Liutyi resembles a small conventional aircraft, featuring straight wings, a twin-fin tail and a rear-mounted pusher propeller. The drone is believed to carry a warhead of around 75 kg and has an operational range exceeding 1,000 kilometres, enabling attacks deep inside Russian territory.

The Liutyi entered operational service during 2023 and quickly became a cornerstone of Ukraine's long-range strike campaign. Rather than engaging battlefield targets, it is employed against strategic objectives including oil refineries, fuel depots, ammunition storage sites, industrial facilities, military bases and airfields. These attacks are intended to disrupt logistics, reduce industrial output and impose economic costs on Russia.

The drone has featured prominently in Ukraine's campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, with numerous strikes reported against refineries and fuel-processing facilities hundreds of kilometres from the border. Liutyis are often launched in coordinated waves alongside decoys and other unmanned systems, complicating Russian air-defence efforts.

Beyond the physical damage inflicted, the Liutyi has significant strategic value. It forces Russia to allocate air-defence resources away from the front lines and demonstrates Ukraine's ability to strike targets once considered beyond reach. As production has expanded, the Liutyi has become one of the most important symbols of Ukraine's growing indigenous defence industry and one of the defining weapons systems of the current war.

Modelsvit’s 1:72 scale AN-196 Liutyi comprises 14 parts in grey plastic, three photo-etched parts, a  clear two-part display stand and decals.

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The first impression when opening the box is is the diminutive size of the model . Although the real aircraft possesses a substantial wingspan, the Liutyi is a relatively simple design and consequently comprises only a modest number of parts.

Moulding quality is excellent. Surface detail is restrained and convincing, with finely engraved panel lines and subtle access panels. The smooth surfaces of the UAV are captured very effectively.

The wings and tail surfaces are commendably thin, while the fuselage halves exhibit sharp moulding and positive locating features. There is very little flash evident and mould alignment appears precise.

Three photo-etched components are provided for some of the finer details, adding a welcome touch of refinement to the finished model.

Assembly appears straightforward and should present few difficulties to modellers of average experience.

Construction kicks off with the fuselage and internal components before progressing to the wings, tail surfaces and pusher propeller installation. Engineering looks sensible.

One particularly welcome inclusion is the display stand. The two-part clear stand offers the ideal way to emphasise the sleek lines of the aircraft.

The instructions are clear and follow Modelsvit's usual illustrated format. Parts placement appears logical and easy to follow.

Given the limited public information available regarding the actual drone, Modelsvit deserves credit for producing what appears to be an accurate and well-researched representation of this highly contemporary subject.

Markings

The decal sheet is small but sharply printed. Markings are minimal, reflecting the austere appearance of the operational aircraft.

The supplied options represent operational machines finished in subdued camouflage colours appropriate to their strategic strike role.

Registration is excellent and carrier film appears thin.

Modelsvit's 1:72 scale AN-196 Liutyi is a fascinating release that captures one of the most significant weapons systems to emerge from the current war in Ukraine.

Moulding quality is excellent, surface detail is refined, engineering appears straightforward and the inclusion of a display stand is particularly welcome. The kit's relatively low parts count should make it accessible to a wide range of modellers.

Perhaps most importantly, this kit represents a snapshot of military aviation history in the making. Just as V-1 flying bombs, cruise missiles and other revolutionary weapons have found their place in modelling collections over the decades, so too does the Liutyi deserve recognition as one of the defining unmanned strike systems of the Ukrainian conflict.

For modellers interested in modern warfare, unmanned aerial vehicles or simply unusual subjects, Modelsvit's AN-196 Liutyi comes highly recommended. It is an inexpensive, well-executed kit of a weapon that is already shaping the character of twenty-first century warfare.

Recommended.

Thanks to Modelsvit for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2026 by Brett Green
Page Created 10 June, 2026
Last updated 10 June, 2026

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