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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

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 70 mm 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

2022 Russo-Ukrainian war

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

  • 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

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Newdick, Thomas (9 October 2025). "Entire Family Of VAMPIRE Counter-Drone Systems Unveiled". The War Zone. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  2. ^ "L3Harris Ramps Up Production for Counter-Unmanned Systems | L3Harris® Fast. Forward". www.l3harris.com. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Buchaniec, Catherine; Gould, Joe (25 August 2022). "'Vampire' to transform Ukraine pickups into deadly missile launchers". C4ISRNet. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  7. ^ Newdick, Thomas (2025-10-07). "Thales Anti-Drone Rockets Now Being Used In Ukraine". The War Zone. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
  8. ^ "Rockets by Thales for Ukraine will be equipped with a new warhead". Militarnyi. Retrieved 13 April 2026.

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