 US-made laser-guided vampire defence systems in action against Russian drones. Recent footage has provided strong indications that Ukrainian anti-aircraft units are now utilising American-made vampire defence systems to neutralise Russian Shahead drones. The Ukrainian Navy released a video on Telegram showcasing high-tech air defence systems in action. The video captures a moment where Ukrainian operators target a Shahead drone using an electro-optical targeting system followed by the launch of a jet-propelled projectile that sends the drone spiralling downwards. The Navy footage is said to represent the first concrete evidence of vampire systems actively serving in Ukraine's air defence, particularly noted by an OSINT analyst known as OSINT Technical. The vampire system equipped with advanced precision kill weapon system guided rockets is designed for engaging aerial threats as well as ground targets. Vampires set up includes a targeting system and a launcher for the advanced precision kill weapon system rockets, employing a WESCAM M610RSTA multi-spectral sighting system for both reconnaissance and target marking, leveraging the rocket's laser guidance according to Defence Express. The interception of a Shahead drone, which can weigh up to 240kg, marks a notable achievement for the APKWS technology, therefore vampire systems are a high-tech and cost-efficient means of countering enemy kamikaze drones. The US Navy has confirmed that all vampire systems promised to Ukraine had been delivered by the end of 2023, reinforcing the country's air defence capabilities against ongoing aerial threats.