L3Harris and Thales took the VAMPIRE anti-drone weapon system to the range for the first time in a breakthrough demonstration showcasing recent upgrades.
At a military base in Poland, the system fired Thales’ FZ275 70mm laser-guided rockets from an FZ605 launcher, striking multiple ground targets with precision.
The exercise also showcased the integration of L3Harris’ WESCAM MX-10D targeting sensors and Widow mission management software with the rocket system.
According to L3Harris, the recent test highlighted how quickly it can equip VAMPIRE with new weapons to meet operational needs, including European border security.
“Continued demonstrations like this one in Poland provide our customers insight into the range of solutions we can provide to meet an evolving defense landscape,” said Tom Kirkland, President of Targeting and Sensor Systems at L3Harris.
He added that their VAMPIRE system provides customers with a formidable and reliable solution that can easily be used aboard a variety of platforms.
A Flexible Counter-Drone Tool
VAMPIRE, or Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment, is a portable weapon system designed to detect drones and remotely piloted aircraft.
Operational with multiple European militaries since 2023, it merges reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities to safeguard forces and critical infrastructure.
Its modular architecture allows it to be mounted in minutes on nearly any vehicle or vessel, giving operators the flexibility to swap sensors and weapons to match mission requirements.
Equipped with advanced sensors, weapons, electronic jammers, and non-kinetic effects across multiple domains, VAMPIRE leverages AI and machine learning for faster, more efficient engagement.
