Ukraine War: New Kamikaze Drone Found in Estonia – Similar to ‘Liutyi’

Fragments of a drone discovered near Tartu, Estonia, are raising questions about Ukraine’s evolving drone warfare tactics. While initial assessments suggest similarities to the Ukrainian-made An-196 Liutyi – often described as a “kamikaze drone” – a key difference in the tail structure is prompting further investigation. The find underscores the increasing reach of the conflict and the potential for Ukrainian drones to operate, or be directed to operate, over a wider geographic area.

The Liutyi, meaning “fierce” or “furious” in Ukrainian, was developed by Ukroboronprom in October 2022 as a direct response to Russia’s use of Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. Designed as a one-way attack drone, the Liutyi is intended to strike targets by crashing into them, detonating an explosive payload. Ukrainian officials have confirmed the use of these drones in strikes targeting critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory, a strategy aimed at disrupting logistics and energy supplies.

The discovery near Tartu featured a propeller constructed from wood or a wood-like material, a characteristic consistent with the Liutyi’s design. However, investigators noted a discrepancy in the tail section. Unlike the Liutyi’s triangular, sloping tail, the fragment recovered appears to have a flat tail structure. This difference raises the possibility that the drone may be a modified version of the Liutyi, a different model altogether, or potentially even a decoy.

The use of wooden propellers, while seemingly rudimentary, is a deliberate design choice. According to analysis from Airmobi UAV, wood is less detectable by radar than metal, offering a degree of stealth. This is a critical consideration given the Liutyi’s intended mission profile – long-range flights over potentially contested airspace. The drone can be guided by artificial intelligence, satellite navigation and inertial navigation systems (INS).

What does this discovery suggest about Ukraine’s drone strategy?

The incident highlights Ukraine’s willingness to project force beyond its borders and its ongoing efforts to adapt its drone technology. The potential use of modified drones, or the development of new models, suggests a dynamic and evolving approach to countering Russia’s military capabilities. The fact that drone fragments were found in Estonia, a NATO member, also underscores the broader security implications of the conflict and the need for vigilance across the region.

Is the Liutyi drone effective?

Despite initial skepticism regarding its size and radar signature, the Liutyi has proven effective in operational scenarios. Forbes reported in August 2025 that the drone has been used in a number of Ukrainian strikes at targets deep inside Russia. However, incidents like the near-miss during a trial run targeting Snake Island in April 2023 – where the drone lost remote control and headed towards its own flight control center – demonstrate the inherent risks and challenges associated with this technology.

What is the estimated cost of a Liutyi drone?

The estimated unit cost of the An-196 Liutyi is approximately $200,000, according to available data. This makes it significantly cheaper than many conventional missile systems, allowing Ukraine to maintain a sustained offensive capability despite limited resources.

What are the implications of a flat tail design?

The difference in tail design could indicate a number of possibilities, including a deliberate modification to improve aerodynamic performance, a change in manufacturing processes, or the use of a completely different drone model. Further investigation will be needed to determine the significance of this discrepancy and whether it represents a new development in Ukraine’s drone capabilities.

As Ukraine continues to innovate in drone warfare, the potential for escalation and unintended consequences remains a significant concern. Will these long-range drone strikes prompt a more aggressive response from Russia, and how will NATO allies respond to the increasing reach of the conflict?