VAMPIRE (weapon)
Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletised ISR Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE) is a family of portable, modular weapon systems developed by L3Harris primarily to Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and other low-flying aircraft, but is capable of multiple functions. The VAMPIRE system acts as a low-cost countermeasure against drones, reducing the need for more expensive interceptors.[1]
As of 2025, L3Harris is capable of producing 20-40 VAMPIRE systems per month.[1] In March 2026 high-volume production of VAMPIRE systems began in Huntsville, Alabama.[2]
Design
[edit]The VAMPIRE is a portable kit and can be installed on a wide variety of vehicles with a cargo bed or fixed position. The base VAMPIRE system consists of a four-round launcher LAND-LGR4 launcher for 70mm laser-guided rockets, primarily the APKWS II, electro-optical/infrared modular sensor ball such as WESCAM MX-RSTA, and a laser designator elevated on a telescoping mast as well as a self-contained power supply and a control system.[3][4]
Later variants use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms from Shield AI that allows detection and identification of drones from a greater distance.[5] The AI integration makes the VAMPIRE capable of targeting UAVs from Groups 1 to 3, even small targets such as FPV drones.[1]
Other variants include electronic warfare and base defense turrets.[1]
Operational history
[edit]2022 Russo-Ukrainian war
[edit]Several systems were supplied to Ukraine in 2022 as part of a US$3 billion aid package by the US.[6] Ukrainian VAMPIRE systems use both the APKWS II and Thales 70-mm FZ275 LGR rocket with an FZ123 warhead.[7][8]
Variants
[edit]- VAMPIRE Stalker XR: Enlarged launcher with 12 missiles.[1]
- VAMPIRE CASKET (Containerized Anti-drone System with Kinetic Effects Turret): Containerized version.[1]
- VAMPIRE BAT (Base Anti-drone Turret): Static turret with a missile launcher replaced with a machine gun. High-power microwave (HPM) directed-energy weapon option under development.[1]
- VAMPIRE Black Wake: Variant mounted aboard uncrewed surface vessels.[1]
- VAMPIRE Dead Wing: Variant for attack helicopters such as the Apache.[1]
- VAMPIRE Killcode: Variant that replaces kinetic weapons with an electronic warfare system.[1]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Newdick, Thomas (9 October 2025). "Entire Family Of VAMPIRE Counter-Drone Systems Unveiled". The War Zone. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "L3Harris Ramps Up Production for Counter-Unmanned Systems | L3Harris® Fast. Forward". www.l3harris.com. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
- ↑ Rogoway, Tyler; Helfrich, Emma (26 August 2022). "What The VAMPIRE Weapon System The U.S. Is Sending To Ukraine Can Actually Do". The War Zone. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ Trevithick, Joseph (2024-02-12). "First Look At Laser-Guided Rocket Counter Drone System Blasting A Russian Drone". The War Zone. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
- ↑ McLaughlin, Bud (25 March 2026). "Bite Of The VAMPIRE: L3Harris Ramps Up Counter-drone Production In Huntsville - Huntsville Business Journal". huntsvillebusinessjournal.com. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
- ↑ Buchaniec, Catherine; Gould, Joe (25 August 2022). "'Vampire' to transform Ukraine pickups into deadly missile launchers". C4ISRNet. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ Newdick, Thomas (2025-10-07). "Thales Anti-Drone Rockets Now Being Used In Ukraine". The War Zone. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
- ↑ "Rockets by Thales for Ukraine will be equipped with a new warhead". Militarnyi. Retrieved 13 April 2026.