"Equipped with a PKT machine gun, the robot navigated challenging terrain, including fallen trees and bomb craters. While moving, it maintained a stable connection and continuously transmitted video signals to the command center, providing real-time intelligence," the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (GUR) stated in a video posted on 14/7.

The video shows the Liut unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) moving along a road in Sumy, maneuvering through puddles before stopping near an open-doored armored vehicle. The Ukrainian drone then fires its machine gun toward a roadside thicket.

"Upon reaching the russian position, it neutralized the enemy with heavy fire," the GUR said, adding that this action facilitated the movement of other Ukrainian forces.

However, the video does not show the extent of damage inflicted on the russian forces.

The russian Ministry of Defence has not commented on the information.

According to Ukrainian media, the Liut can detect and destroy targets day and night and operate on rough terrain and in harsh weather conditions due to its robust design and quiet electric motor.

This drone model has a range of 3 km in direct line of sight with the operator. It is equipped with two optical cameras with different viewing angles and can be fitted with a thermal imaging sensor. The drone's machine gun carries a 550-round magazine but lacks a stabilization system, requiring it to stop before firing to ensure accuracy.

The Liut possesses anti-jamming capabilities within a 700 m radius, and its communication range can be extended via a fixed relay station or one mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Liut drone in a photo posted in March. Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

The Ukrainian military says the Liut is part of an effort to integrate unmanned technology into frontline operations, reducing soldier casualties while maintaining combat effectiveness. Earlier this month, the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of Ukraine claimed to have captured several russian soldiers using ground and aerial drones, marking the first time this has been done.

Pham Giang (Via Kyiv Independent)