CNN journalists for first time show how Ukraine's Defence Intelligence launches Liutyi drones over Russia – videos
CNN journalists have shown for the first time how a unit within the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) launched Liutyi long-range Ukrainian drones, toward Russia (Liutyi stands for "angry", or "February", which is the month when Ukraine faced the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022 – ed.)
Source: CNN
Details: Journalists spent two days with DIU specialists preparing to launch over 100 drones into Russian territory on the night of 28-29 September.
According to the DIU experts, the drones were aimed at an ammunition depot, specifically train wagons loaded with Iranian-made missiles, located at a depot on the outskirts of the village of Kotluban in Volgograd Oblast. The distance to the target was over 600 kilometres.
Two DIU representatives, aka Serge and Vector, explained to the journalists that the drone routes are planned from a secret location. The Liutyi drone can be programmed with over 1,000 different route points to evade Russian air defence.
Alongside Liutyi, the team also uses other kamikaze drones, including the domestic Rubaka model. Vector emphasised that these drones play a crucial role in the success of any mission, with the goal being to suppress air defences and divert fire away from the Liutyi drone.
The DIU specialist noted that they mix different drones and launch them from various distances and locations.
According to Serge, around 30% of all drones launched were decoys, while Luityi drones were the primary attack force, aimed at the Kotluban target. Meanwhile, around 80 other DIU personnel across Ukraine were preparing 90 other drones for flight.
In complete darkness, the Liutyi drones were moved into position, followed by a vehicle with the operators.
The pilots launched the drone, ensuring a smooth takeoff, after which it followed pre-programmed routes.
Mission success is tracked via three methods: intelligence on the ground, reports in Russian Telegram groups and further analysis using satellite technology.
Only when all three sources are assessed can the mission be considered a success or failure.
Background:
- Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed that 125 Ukrainian UAVs attacked Russian regions on the night of 28-29 September. Russian Telegram channels reported explosions near a military camp in Yeysk, Krasnodar Krai, Russia. There were also explosions in Russia’s Rostov, Voronezh and Volgograd oblasts.
- The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukraine’s defence forces hit a Russian depot used to store and upgrade missile and artillery weaponry near the village of Kotluban in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast.
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