L3Harris to deliver VAMPIRE counter-drone systems to U.S. Army under order worth up to $106 million
AI Analysis
L3Harris has secured a contract worth up to $106 million to deliver VAMPIRE counter-drone systems to the U.S. Army, bolstering their layered counter-UxS defense. The VAMPIRE system, initially developed in response to the Ukraine conflict, provides a low-cost, rapidly deployable solution for engaging drone threats. Production has been scaled up at a new facility in Huntsville, Alabama to meet increasing demand.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Army is procuring VAMPIRE systems as part of a broader counter-UxS strategy.
- VAMPIRE is a self-contained system designed for reconnaissance and precision strike against drones.
- The system has logged over 350,000 operational hours since 2023, primarily in European combat operations.
- L3Harris initiated VAMPIRE development to counter Russian drone threats in Ukraine.
- Increased production capacity in Huntsville, Alabama, signals a commitment to meeting sustained demand from the U.S. and allies.
Why It Matters
This procurement highlights the increasing prioritization of counter-drone capabilities by the U.S. Army, recognizing the evolving threat posed by unmanned systems. The VAMPIRE system’s affordability and rapid deployment capabilities offer a valuable addition to existing air defense layers, particularly for protecting dispersed assets and forward operating bases. The system’s combat proven track record suggests a reliable and effective solution.
L3Harris to deliver VAMPIRE counter-drone systems to U.S. Army under order worth up to $106 million
Published: 2026-06-10T20:16:56+02:00 Source: defence-industry.eu (defence-industry.eu) Language: en
Story
L3Harris to deliver VAMPIRE counter-drone systems to U.S. Army under order worth up to $106 million
L3Harris to deliver VAMPIRE counter-drone systems to U.S. Army under order worth up to $106 million
By Lukasz Prus (Defence Industry Europe)
Land| June 10, 2026
Photo: L3Harris Technologies.
L3Harris Technologies said it has been selected by the U.S. Army to deliver VAMPIRE counter-unmanned systems. The order is worth up to $106 million and forms part of the United States’ layered counter-UxS defence approach.
The company said VAMPIRE is a self-contained weapons solution designed to provide advanced reconnaissance and precision strike against drones and remotely piloted aircraft. Military forces have used the system extensively in support of European combat operations, logging more than 350,000 operational hours since 2023.
“We’ve worked with the Army to understand their needs for new counter-UxS systems that can be quickly assembled, delivered, set-up and fired,” said Tom Kirkland, President, Targeting & Sensor Systems, Communications & Spectrum Dominance, L3Harris. “VAMPIRE is effective at hunting and engaging drone threats affordably, which enables U.S. armed forces to sustain reliable defense of its personnel and infrastructure.”
L3Harris said it developed and invested in VAMPIRE at the beginning of the war in Ukraine to provide a low-cost solution for eliminating Russian drone threats. The company said the system was designed to address urgent operational demand for defence against hostile drones.
In 2026, L3Harris increased production of the VAMPIRE system and began high-volume production in Huntsville, Alabama. The company said the new production line responds directly to the need of the United States and its allies to combat the persistent drone threat.
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