Ukraine is already using the long-awaited US VAMPIRE systems with APKWS missiles to intercept Russian drones

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have started using American VAMPIRE systems. The development of the L3Harris company helps to cope with Russian drones.

Here's What We Know

VAMPIRE or Vehicle Agnostic Modular Palletised ISR Rocket Equipment is an effective weapon against drones. It uses 70mm APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System) guided missiles developed by BAE Systems.

The fact that VAMPIREs have entered service with the Ukrainian Defence Forces was reported by Bloomberg news agency, citing the US Department of Defence's Office of Acquisition and Support. Ukraine has received four of the 14 systems.

Deliveries were approved on Ukraine's Independence Day, August 24, 2022 in a package worth $3 billion. L3Harris signed an agreement worth $40 million in early 2023. The U.S. Department of Defense's Office of Acquisition and Support does not say when the remaining systems will be transferred to Ukraine. But it should happen before the end of 2023.

Source: Bloomberg