The APKWS is now capable of shooting down drones

[NMaude]

We might see a similiar warhead to the new FZ-123 soon fir apkws.

https://mil.in.ua/en/news/rockets-by-thales-for-ukraine-will-be-equipped-with-a-new-warhead/

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That would certainly work for shredding Shaheed drones (And other similar missiles) but I image it would also be useful for shredding Russian infantry charges.

 

[NMaude]

Here's an interesting new video about Ukraine's use of the APKWS with the L3 Harris VAMPIRE system:

Hey friends, Wes O’Donnell here—Army and Air Force veteran, recovering journalist, and unapologetic fan of battlefield ingenuity.

Today, we’re looking at new video of Ukraine’s Vampire Surface-to-Air Missile system—a joint marvel of American, Australian, and British engineering. This cost-effective, mobile system is obliterating Russian attack drones and reshaping the drone defense game.

The VAMPIRE SAM (Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment) combines U.S.-made laser-guided APKWS rockets, Australian EOS gimbals for pinpoint targeting, and the ingenuity of mounting it all on flatbed trucks. I break down how this “Drone Slayer 9000” operates, from intercepting Russian drones with precision-guided strikes to the importance of mobility in modern warfare.

You’ll learn:
How APKWS rockets evolved from unguided Hydra 70 munitions into deadly precision weapons.
Why the Australian EOS AS-65 gimbal is a game-changer for accuracy and stabilization.
How Ukraine is integrating the VAMPIRE alongside other tech, like Bushmasters and the Slinger system, to create an unstoppable counter-drone strategy.

I’ll also dive into the Vampire drone, its unique electronic warfare resilience, and its role as a tank-destroying nightmare for Russian forces. Plus, a shoutout to Australia’s contributions—because the EOS tech and donated Bushmasters are saving lives on the frontlines.

As drones and counter-drone tech evolve rapidly on Ukraine’s battlefield, the VAMPIRE highlights a new era in military defense: adaptable, affordable, and precise. But Ukraine needs more—more Vampires, more Slingers, and more support from allies to outpace Russian aggression.

If you love geeking out about military tech as much as I do, make sure to hit that like button and subscribe—it really helps the channel grow.

Advance Australia, and as always, glory to Ukraine, glory to the heroes. Slava Ukraini!

#Ukraine #VampireSAM #DroneDefense #MilitaryTech #Australia #APKWS #RussiaUkraineWar #EOSGimbals #GloryToUkraine #SlavaUkraini #ukrainewar #славаукраїні #militarytechnology #l3harris #military

 

[Scott Kenny]

I've always thought if you took an F-89, made it low-wing with engines and intakes above the wing, a small AESA and IRST in the nose, and then stuff the tanks with APKWS and laser guided Zuni (if we still had Zuni). . . (Not literally an F-89 but I love the layout and giant wing.)

IIRC there are still Zunis in inventory, the USN and USMC use them for airborne FACs to mark targets.

But they're a very low-production item since few get used per mission.