These systems, designed for detecting and intercepting drones, are being developed and produced under the expedited leadership of the US Navy's special Precision Weapons Development Team, PMA-242.
The US Navy has also announced the imminent arrival of the first batch of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) missiles equipped with contactless detonators, which will accompany the new Vampire systems.
Vampire anti-drone systems represent a relatively new addition to the arsenal, with their testing first initiated in 2021. These mobile anti-aircraft complexes are equipped with the WESCAM MX-10 opto-electronic system, featuring thermal imaging and television cameras, and are capable of launching laser-guided 70mm APKWS missiles.
Additionally, there is significant news regarding US-Ukraine defense collaboration. Following the first day of the Ukrainian-American defense industry conference in Washington, the White House released a statement detailing plans for joint weapon production to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The United States and Ukraine have signed a Statement of Intent on joint production and the exchange of technical data aimed at addressing the urgent operational needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The planned joint production will focus on air defense systems, repair and technical support, and the manufacturing of critical ammunition.
