Ukraine Unveils Robotic Mini-Tank ‘Lyut’

Ukraine has launched a new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed to carry out high-intensity missions.

Dubbed the “Lyut” (Fury), the robotic mini-tank is equipped with a PKT 7.62-millimeter machine gun, allowing it to function as a mobile turret to support combat operations.

It can also perform diversionary maneuvers and accurately identify enemy positions, providing a strategic advantage on the battlefield.

The UGV was first crafted in 2022 as an experimental platform, according to local media outlet Militarnyi. It was refined after the Ukrainian military requested a battlefield-ready robot to go up against Russian forces.

The Lyut reportedly underwent over 30 trials to ensure its firing precision and navigational effectiveness across various terrain.

Low-Cost System

The new Ukrainian robotic vehicle boasts communication components often found in commercial drones.

This has reduced the UGV’s operational costs, while still achieving a direct line-of-sight communication range of up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles).

Trials revealed that the mini-tank can maintain effective communication at approximately 700 meters (2,296 feet) in environments with natural and man-made obstructions.

Additionally, the machine gun fitted into the unmanned platform is equipped with targeting cameras and can hit enemies up to 800 meters (2,624 feet) away.

Its design principle also allows soldiers with prior drone piloting experience to rapidly become proficient in controlling the Lyut.