Vampire systems have proven effective in service with both Ukraine and the United States in countering drones such as the Shahed. In response, L3Harris Technologies has opened a new production line for these systems in Huntsville.
The facility is designed for mass production and can scale output depending on demand. It includes assembly, testing, and integration areas, allowing installation on ground vehicles as well as in containerized configurations.
Read more: Ukraine's Vampire Gets Smarter Big Brother — U.S. Army's EAGLS Drone Killer Gets Combat Tested
This expansion will enable L3Harris to deliver more Vampire launchers and accelerate the deployment of counter-drone capabilities. This is particularly relevant given the growing demand for such systems in current conflicts.
Since 2023, Ukraine has been using Vampire as a cost-effective solution against various UAVs and, in some cases, even cruise missiles. The system can be mounted on a wide range of platforms.
A key advantage of Vampire is its use of APKWS 70 mm rockets with semi-active laser guidance, costing up to approximately $31,000 per unit. A European equivalent, the FZ275 LGR developed by Thales Group, is also integrated into the system.
These guided rockets can also be launched from other platforms, including F-15 and F-16 fighter aircraft. Notably, Ukraine's Air Force has already employed them from F-16s. This makes scaling up APKWS and similar systems particularly important, especially given that over 100,000 units have already been produced.
At the same time, due to the relative novelty of Vampire, its numbers in US and NATO service remain limited, highlighting the need to expand production. However, it is no longer the only system in its class.
For example, the United States has already tested the EAGLS system in Kuwait, which is expected to offer enhanced capabilities compared to Vampire. Meanwhile, Thales is promoting its alternative FZ605 system, designed to work with FZ123 and FZ275 rockets and already in use in Ukraine.
From the Defense Express side, we urge readers to join a fundraiser for a solution that is already proving effective: the One United Fundraiser, organized by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to support interceptor drones.
Read more: Vampire Air-Defense System Adds Six New Variants Across Land, Sea, and Air — Now with EW Capabilities
