L3Harris Technologies has unveiled a new generation of its Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE) system. The upgraded variants expand the system’s versatility for counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) and precision strike missions. Designed for rapid deployment and high mobility, the latest configurations aim to meet evolving battlefield threats—particularly from Group 1–3 UAVs and loitering munitions.
From Ukraine to Global Demand: VAMPIRE’s Operational Evolution
The original VAMPIRE system gained prominence in 2022 when the U.S. Department of Defense selected it for urgent transfer to Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). The system’s ability to launch laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets made it a cost-effective solution against low-cost drones like the Iranian-made Shahed-136. Mounted on light tactical vehicles such as pickup trucks, VAMPIRE offered a rapidly deployable C-UAS capability with minimal logistical footprint.
Following its operational debut in Ukraine, where it reportedly achieved successful intercepts against Shahed drones and other Group 2/3 UAVs, L3Harris received increased interest from NATO partners and Indo-Pacific allies seeking scalable air defense options. This demand catalyzed further development into modular variants unveiled in late 2025.
New Modular Variants: Tailored for Mission Flexibility
The latest VAMPIRE variants introduce significant enhancements in modularity and platform integration:
- Vehicle-Agnostic Mounting: The updated launcher module can now be installed on a wider range of platforms—including JLTVs, MRAPs, trailers, and even fixed-site installations—thanks to redesigned mounting interfaces.
- Multi-Mission Payload Options: In addition to APKWS rockets, new payload options include loitering munitions such as AeroVironment’s Switchblade or UVision’s Hero series. This expands the system from purely defensive C-UAS roles into precision strike missions.
- Improved Fire Control Suite: The fire control system now supports multiple sensor feeds (EO/IR, radar cueing), automated target tracking algorithms, and AI-assisted threat classification for faster engagement cycles.
- Remote Operation Capability: Operators can now control the launcher remotely via secure datalink—enabling shoot-and-scoot tactics or use from unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).
This modular approach allows users to tailor configurations based on threat environment—whether defending a forward operating base from drone swarms or conducting mobile reconnaissance-strike operations with loitering munitions.
C-UAS Effectiveness Against Evolving Threats
The proliferation of small drones and loitering munitions has outpaced traditional air defense systems optimized for high-altitude threats. Systems like NASAMS or Patriot are overkill—and too costly—for engaging $20K kamikaze drones. VAMPIRE fills this gap by offering a layered C-UAS capability at tactical echelons.
The APKWS rocket—a laser-guided version of the Hydra 70 mm—is central to this effectiveness. With a range of up to 5 km and proven lethality against UAV-sized targets, APKWS provides an affordable kinetic kill option that integrates seamlessly with existing targeting pods or EO/IR sensors.
L3Harris claims that recent upgrades improve hit probability through refined seeker calibration and integration with radar cueing sources (e.g., RADA or Leonardo radars). While exact performance data remains classified, U.S. officials have publicly praised the system’s success rate in Ukrainian service as “notable.”
Integration with Loitering Munitions Expands Strike Role
A major shift in the new variants is support for launching loitering munitions—a capability not present in earlier versions. By integrating canister-based launchers for systems like Switchblade 300/600 or Hero-120/400EC, VAMPIRE becomes a dual-role platform capable of both intercepting drones and striking high-value targets beyond line-of-sight.
This hybridization aligns with NATO trends toward multi-domain maneuver forces where platforms must serve ISR-strike-CUAS functions simultaneously. It also allows lower-tier units (e.g., infantry brigades) access to organic precision fires without relying on higher-echelon artillery or air support.
L3Harris has not disclosed specific munition types certified so far but confirmed that testing is underway with several U.S.-approved loitering munitions under Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channels.
Export Potential and Strategic Implications
The expanded VAMPIRE family is positioned for strong export growth amid rising global demand for mobile C-UAS solutions. Countries like Poland, Romania, Taiwan, Australia, and Baltic states have expressed interest in vehicle-mounted drone defense systems that can be fielded at battalion level or below.
L3Harris has emphasized compliance with ITAR regulations while promoting interoperability with NATO-standard sensors (e.g., Link-16 datalinks). The company also hinted at future AI-enabled autonomy features—such as automatic drone swarm detection—that could be fielded via software updates over time.
The modularity also opens doors for co-production agreements or localized assembly lines—a model increasingly favored by countries seeking industrial participation alongside procurement deals. This could mirror past arrangements seen in Poland’s PGZ-led integration of CAMM launchers or South Korea’s domestic production of K9 howitzers under license.
Conclusion: A Scalable Answer to Tactical Drone Threats
The updated VAMPIRE variants reflect L3Harris’ strategy of delivering scalable counter-drone capabilities tailored to modern battlefield realities. By combining vehicle-agnostic design with multi-mission payloads—from APKWS rockets to loitering munitions—the system provides a flexible toolkit against asymmetric aerial threats across contested environments.
If successfully integrated into allied force structures beyond Ukraine—especially within NATO’s eastern flank—the new generation VAMPIRE could become a key node in distributed air defense networks designed to counter drone saturation attacks at scale.
