Video footage recently released by the press service of the Ukrainian Navy shows the combat effectiveness of its air defence units and confirms the first combat use of the Vampire counter-UAS system, developed by L3Harris.
The footage captures the takedown of a Shahed 136 attack drone by an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rocket launched from the Vehicle Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment (Vampire) system. Designed for installation on flatbed trucks, the compact, palletised four-round launcher can be mounted within two hours and requires only a single operator. Compared to other counter-drone systems it is simple, easy to operate and affordable. To date, it is understood that all 14 contracted Vampire systems have been delivered to Ukraine.
For more information: News of the Ukrainian Navy – Ukrainian Naval Forces (mil.gov.ua)
(Image: An APKWS is test-launched from a Vampire system installed on a Toyota pickup truck. Credit: L3Harris 2022)
