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VAMPIRE multipurpose weapon systems are already having a positive effect in Ukraine, according to American defence tech contractor L3Harris.
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The Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE) manufactured by L3Harris enables Ukrainian ground forces to target and destroy enemy drones or defend against adversary ground threats.
The system is also reportedly capable of delivering advanced reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities to protect Ukrainian civilian infrastructure from enemy attacks, according to a public statement from the company on 11 December.
The weapons system integrates a WESCAM MX-10 RSTA targeting sensor with Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System rocket munitions to engage targets quickly and accurately, as well as incorporates a proximity fuse for increased system lethality against aerial targets.
A prototype of the VAMPIRE was originally submitted to the US Department of Defense in April 2022, with field testing having commenced in 2021.
“Early customer reports say VAMPIRE is already having a positive effect in Ukraine thanks to the US Navy’s ability to respond with ‘unprecedented speed and agility,’” according to L3Harris intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance president Jason Lambert.
“As adversary tactics evolve, our customers rely on us to anticipate, design and rapidly deliver reliable mission capabilities.
“We’ll continue partnering with the Department of Defense to field critical capabilities that will help save lives.”
The company has completed the installation and delivery of all systems, in support of Ukrainian defence efforts and on time to DOD, he said.
Earlier this year, an agreement between L3Harris and the US Department of Defense was announced for 14 tailored Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE) multipurpose weapons systems to help the Ukrainian military target and shoot down Russian drones while defending from ground threats.
That arrangement was valued at US$40 million; the contract would allow the prime contractor to install the VAMPIRE kits on US-provided vehicles to provide battlefield combat support and defend critical civilian infrastructure. The capability is designed to transform civilian utility vehicles into portable missile launchers.
EOS Defense Systems USA, a subsidiary of Australian defence technology Electro Optic Systems, involved in the process, was engaged to supply the positioning components for L3Harris VAMPIRE through an EOS AS-65 gimbal, under the US Department of Defense contract to deliver 14 VAMPIRE multipurpose weapon systems to Ukraine.
The AS-65 provides precise aiming and firing of rockets, missiles, and other payloads, supporting ground-to-ground and ground-to-air delivery. When fitted to the VAMPIRE system, it is capable of tracking targets and firing a 70-millimetre guided rocket from a four-pack launcher.
