IT is so light and nimble that Ukrainian troops have taken to calling it “the butterfly”
But this new ground combat drone has the power to sting like a bee, boasting a powerful machine gun which can be fired by troops well away from the battle zone.
And it is already delivering results in Ukraine’s 33-month war to repel Russian forces.
The « Lyut »is one of a hundred new battle drones being tested by Ukrainian forces, some of which have already had their baptism of fire against Russian troops in Kursk.
Just ten days ago Ukrainian troops carried out their first attack using exclusively unmanned ground vehicles and FPV drones on Russian troops near the village of Lyptsi, north of Kharkiv.
It was a complete success, Ukrainian forces say.
Made in Ukraine, the reconnaissance and strike vehicle is designed to effortlessly overcome the challenges of Ukraine’s challenging landscape.
It boasts an operational range of up to 12.5 miles and can operate autonomously for up to three days.
Its PKT 7.62mm machine gun allows it to function as a mobile turret and, with 4th-class protection armour, it can even withstand the impact of Russian bullets for a a period of time.
Crucially, it uses fibre-optic cables which makes it more resistant to Russian electronic jamming techniques.
And, thanks to some recent modifications, it can also be used to evacuate wounded troops without placing medics in harm’s way and even deliver ammunition and provisions.
« The strange appearance and small dimensions of this baby can easily be misleading and, at first glance, it seems as if you are in front of a children’s toy on a control panel,” said one Ukrainian military source attached to the 10th Separate Guard Brigade.
“But when you follow the front-line work of the miracle machine, it takes your breath away – we are proud, the enemies are afraid.”
Drones and autonomous vehicles are playing an ever larger role in the conflict.
Yesterday it was announced that the UK-led international Drone Capability Coalition had sent 30,000 new drones to Ukraine as part of a £45m aid package.
The Drone Capability Coalition supports Ukraine with uncrewed surveillance and attack capabilities. Funding for the new 30,000 drones comes from the UK, Denmark, Netherlands, Latvia and Sweden.
More than 100 new robots have recently been put through their paces at Ukraine’s Brave1 testing ground, where they were tested for water resistance, speed, braking characteristics, noise level, and cross-country ability in difficult terrain.
They include ground drones used for medical evacuation and logistics platforms, shock tanks, minelayers, and kamikaze robots.
While many are beng provided by international partners, Ukraine is forging ahead with its own developments.
Another example includes the recent trialling of its first home-built First Person View UAV.
The vehicles, says Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for innovation Mykhailo Fedorov, show how technology is transforming trench warfare in Ukraine.
And the UK is watching closely.
Speaking to the Express last year Gen Sir Richard Barrons , former head of UK Joint Forces Command, said: “Armies are getting smaller and more expensive, and as a society we are becoming more averse to high casualty rates.
“The Army. Royal Navy and RAF know that the future will require a mix of autonomous and manned platforms.”
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