laser precision and low cost

The use of drones in military operations has increased significantly since the start of the war in Ukraine just over two years ago. And these devices, of different sizes and types, and even some designed in Spain, have become powerful weapons capable of surveillance, terrain reconnaissance and even carrying out kamikaze attacks. In recent days, Russian troops have again used these planes to attack, but Volodymyr Zelensky’s army was able to intercept them thanks to Vampire, a multipurpose surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.

During the conflict, we have already seen Ukraine resort to different methods for shooting down Russian drones: from a technique to destabilize them in flight with a wooden stick to the use of machine guns from the First World War. From now on, and as demonstrated in a new video published on X (Twitter), Zelensky’s forces are also confronting these planes with Modular, vehicle-independent palletized ISR rocket equipment (Vampire, for its acronym in English)the surface-to-air missile system with which they have already countered Russian attack drones.

A video in which the Ukrainian Navy shows a compilation of shots from its Vampire system on Russian attack drones. In fact, the images show at least eight confirmed intercepts, demonstrating the ability of this low-cost surface-to-air missile to effectively neutralize unmanned aerial threats. A laser-guided weapons mechanism manufactured by L3Harris that can be installed on most vehicles with a loading platform which, thanks to its mobility, precision and speed, is ideal for attacking ground targets and aerial.

Laser-guided missiles

The L3Harris system is distinguished by being a compact and versatile defense platform using laser-guided rockets Advanced Precision Weapon System (APKWS, for its acronym in English). The manufacturer emphasizes on its website that this mechanism allows “a quick solution for assembling non-tactical vehicles (NTV) and a variety of tactical vehicles, while integrating components according to each customer’s specifications and requirements.

Not only that, but through the laser guidance system, Vampire also provides ground troops “the ability to engage targets beyond the range of weapons typically carried by special operations forces and light forces.” In addition, being modular, “offers an effective and inexpensive weapon deployment solution”.

Vampire was initially designed for air-to-ground attacks by American forces. The system consists of a small four-barrel rocket launcher It comes with a set of sensors and controls. A weapon that can be installed in most vehicles and trucks with a loading platform in just two hours, a task that requires only two people and common tools, and which can be handled by a single person, as detailed by L3Harris.

The system can be equipped with missiles to attack ground and air targets, including aircraft and drones. One of Vampire’s unique features is that it can be configured with different sensors and weapon packs; and, once installed in a vehicle, it can operate completely autonomously. In other words, it can select targets located at a distance of up to 3 kilometers.

Another of the keys to the Vampire is its design and its manufacturer explains that everything is on the pallet, so the power supply eliminates the need for a 24-volt alternator in the vehicle. Likewise, the MX-RSTA also stands out, a reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition system which looks like a CCTV camera.

This can be fixedly mounted on the vehicle deck or rigidly mounted on a mast to increase its height and reach. The Vampire also comes with an independent four-axis stabilization system, called WESCAM MX-10, for low-altitude tactical reconnaissance and surveillance; and this provides sharp and stable images when the vehicle is moving.

Not only that, but it also eliminates wobbles and vibrations caused by windy environments. Another of the main advantages of Vampire is its versatility, namely that the Ukrainian system which can be configured with up to six image and laser sensors. Depending on their manufacturer, these options include everything from thermal imaging cameras to continuous zoom cameras for daylight and low light or a laser rangefinder; as well as the advanced automatic tracker and built-in GPS receiver.

Affordable and accurate

Last August, Joe Biden, President of the United States, announced a $3 billion military aid package to Ukraine, which included this system. A device that Zelensky’s troops are already using and which allows the Ukrainians to have an affordable and precise weapon against the growing drone threat representing Russian forces. Each Vampire laser-guided rocket provides a cost-effective method of neutralizing these aircraft.

It should be noted that while for traditional air defense, drones are problematic because they involve launching rockets that can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions; missiles used by Vampire cost $27,000 (approximately 24,741 euros at the exchange rate) each. A system that also helps Ukraine protect its critical infrastructure and has quickly become an essential asset in its defense strategy.