VAMPIRE Confirms Integrated Capability During Live Exercises
During Exercise Balikatan 2026, U.S. and allied forces conducted an evaluation of L3Harris’ modular counter-unmanned systems (C-UxS) solution, VAMPIRE™, focusing on its performance in simulated combat scenarios. This exercise showcased the essential role of counter-drone capabilities in ensuring survival within contested environments, encompassing land, maritime, and littoral zones. VAMPIRE has been recognized as a reliable, effective, and combat-proven asset in this realm.
Tom Kirkland, President of Targeting & Sensor Systems, Communications & Spectrum Dominance at L3Harris, remarked, “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 further emphasized the increasing drone threat in the Indo-Pacific region and other areas. VAMPIRE provides a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for drone defense, suitable for bases, airfields, islands, and vital infrastructure. Within a layered defense framework, VAMPIRE combines detection, identification, and defeat capabilities to address the challenges posed by drone-saturated environments.
In early 2026, L3Harris commenced high-volume production of VAMPIRE at its manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. This new production line is a strategic response to the demands from the United States and its allies to counter the ongoing drone threats that jeopardize military forces and critical infrastructure.
Source: L3Harris (2026-05-20)
