The Ukrainian Armed Forces used the VAMPIRE surface-to-air missile (SAM) system to successfully destroy the Russian Kh-59 cruise missile.
According to Armyrecognition, the Ukrainian armed forces have used the VAMPIRE surface-to-air missile (SAM) system to successfully destroy a Russian Kh-59 cruise missile in the Black Sea. This is the first time the VAMPIRE system, developed by US defense corporation L3Harris Technologies, has been deployed on a high-speed boat to intercept a cruise missile – an event that marks a turning point in Ukraine’s ability to counter advanced air threats.
The Russian Kh-59 cruise missile is a sophisticated weapon, often used to attack high-value targets thanks to its subsonic speed, low-altitude flight capability and outstanding accuracy. With a range of about 300 km and the ability to carry conventional or nuclear warheads, the Kh-59 has long been a difficult problem for air defense systems. Its low-altitude flight path makes it difficult to detect and intercept, posing a major threat in air and naval engagements in the Black Sea region.
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| VAMPIRE surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. - Photo: I3harris |
However, the emergence of the VAMPIRE SAM system changed the situation. During the January 25 interception campaign, the Kh-59 missile was tracked and destroyed by the laser-guided APKWS missile – a key component of the VAMPIRE system.
The VAMPIRE SAM system is designed with high flexibility, can be deployed on mobile vehicles such as military trucks, high-speed trains or other platforms. In particular, the compatibility with APKWS missiles - known for their accuracy and low cost - makes this system an ideal choice for defense against threats from drones and cruise missiles.
The APKWS missile, with a maximum range of 5 km and the ability to hit targets within a radius of only 2 meters, shows outstanding effectiveness in combat situations requiring high precision and minimal collateral damage. Thanks to its modular design, APKWS can be easily integrated into existing systems without requiring large investments in infrastructure.
In addition, the VAMPIRE system is also equipped with advanced WESCAM MX-10 RSTA observation and targeting technology, allowing the detection of low-flying targets such as the Kh-59 in complex combat conditions. This brings great advantages in protecting coastal and marine areas.
The successful interception of the Kh-59 not only strengthens Ukraine’s defense capabilities, but also opens up a new direction in its territorial defense strategy. The VAMPIRE system mounted on high-speed boats provides significant mobility, allowing air defense forces to move quickly to respond to threats. This makes it more difficult for the enemy to detect and attack air defense systems, increasing Ukraine’s ability to protect its territorial waters.
In the context of limited defense resources, the cost-effectiveness of the VAMPIRE system is a major advantage. In addition, the integration of this system with other Ukrainian air defense platforms helps to build a multi-layered defense network, effectively countering threats from missiles, drones and manned aircraft.
Source: https://congthuong.vn/phong-khong-ukraine-ban-ha-ten-lua-hanh-trinh-kh-59-cua-nga-371308.html
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