L3Harris VAMPIRE Confirms Integrated Counter-Drone Capability During Live Exercises - Europe Defence Insights Magazine | EDI
AI Analysis
L3Harris' VAMPIRE counter-UAS system demonstrated integrated capabilities during live exercises with US and allied forces, highlighting its effectiveness in diverse environments. Production has been scaled up at the Huntsville, Alabama facility to meet growing demand. The system's affordability, achieved through the use of APKWS munitions, is a key selling point.
Key Takeaways
- VAMPIRE integrates detection, identification, and defeat capabilities as part of a layered C-UxS defense.
- The system utilizes APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) munitions for a low-cost, sustainable kinetic effect.
- Exercise Balikatan 2026 underscored the increasing drone threat in the Indo-Pacific region.
- L3Harris initiated high-volume production of VAMPIRE in early 2026.
- VAMPIRE is designed to protect bases, airfields, islands, and critical infrastructure.
Why It Matters
The increasing proliferation of drones necessitates effective and affordable counter-UAS solutions. VAMPIRE’s success and scaled production indicate a shift towards readily deployable, kinetic-based C-UAS systems that can address a wide range of threats. This system represents a practical and scalable solution for protecting critical assets and personnel.
L3Harris VAMPIRE Confirms Integrated Counter-Drone Capability During Live Exercises - Europe Defence Insights Magazine | EDI
Home Counter Drones L3Harris VAMPIRE Confirms Integrated Counter-Drone Capability During Live Exercises
L3Harris VAMPIRE Confirms Integrated Counter-Drone Capability During Live Exercises
May 31, 2026
May 31, 2026
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U.S. and allied forces evaluated L3Harris’ specialized and modular counter-unmanned systems (C-UxS) solution, VAMPIRE, examining its effectiveness in simulated engagements. The event highlighted counter-drone capabilities as a core requirement for survival in contested environments, including land, maritime, and littoral spaces, with VAMPIRE serving as a reputable, effective, and combat-proven solution.
Tom Kirkland, President of Targeting & Sensor Systems, Communications & Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris, stated:“One of the primary benefits of a system like VAMPIRE is the integration of highly effective and affordable munitions. The sustainability and low-cost curve that a kinetic munition like APKWS provides to the end user is what allows VAMPIRE to set a new standard. It is what our customers are looking for as part of a greater, layered counter-UxS defense strategy.”
Exercise Balikatan 2026 underscored the growing drone threat in the Indo-Pacific region and other environments. VAMPIRE serves as a complete and affordable solution for drone defense across bases, airfields, islands, and critical infrastructure. As part of a layered defense architecture, VAMPIRE integrates detection, identification, and defeat capabilities to counter evolving threats in drone-heavy environments.
In early 2026, L3Harris initiated high-volume production of VAMPIRE at its manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The new production line is a direct response to the United States and its allies’ need to combat the persistent drone threat posing risks to military personnel and infrastructure.
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