In December, the United States will transfer all ordered Vampire counter-drone systems to Ukraine

7 December, 2023 The Vampire launch platform is unloaded from the aircraft. Photo credits: US Navy This month, Ukraine will receive all 14 Vampire counter-drone systems ordered as part of the military aid.

The press service of the US Naval Air Systems Command reported on this. In December, the United States will deliver 14 Vampire counter-drone systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These systems were developed specifically for Ukraine to detect and intercept enemy drones, including Shahed-136.

It is noted that the development, production, and delivery of Vampire systems is taking place in an extremely tight timeframe under the leadership of the US Navy's PMA-242 Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons office. "We delivered the first four systems in just six months, using an innovative contracting strategy and working diligently to keep up with the rapid development of the system," Kevin Raspet, PMA-242 foreign military sales deputy program manager, reported.

Vampire counter-drone systems made by the US company L3Harris, which may be included in defense assistance to Ukraine

These systems were included in the US £1.3 billion military aid package announced on July 19, 2023. However, the number of systems planned for transfer was not specified at the time.

The U.S. Department of Defense first announced the start of their use by the Ukrainian military on September 1. The report also notes that along with the new batch of equipment, the first APKWS rockets equipped with a proximity fuze are due to arrive in the coming weeks.

A proximity fuze with a radio frequency sensor should significantly increase the system's efficiency.

Vampire

The Vampire mobile system is a relatively new development. Field testing of VAMPIRE began in 2021, and in the summer of 2022, the company continued testing the target range and overall reliability of the systems.

The guided missile system integrates the WESCAM MX-10 low-weight imaging system, responsible for target detection and guidance and launching four 70-mm guided missiles. The basis of the system is a 70-mm APKWS guided missile made by BAE Systems. It is equipped with a proximity fuze to intercept airborne targets.

APKWS rocket launch from a launcher on an HMMWV.

Frame from the video

The system is portable and can be installed on a variety of vehicles, including civilian off-road vehicles.