US-made Vampire serves effective and cost-efficient tool against Russian drones — military expert Zhurets

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"In fact, this missile costs less than $40,000, which is three times cheaper than a Shahed. That is, it is one of the most effective means of destroying the Shaheds in terms of its components, efficiency, cost, etc. It was not entirely rational when we used to shoot down Shaheds with missiles. Using these systems completely changes the economic balance in our favor," Zhurets noted.

He spoke about the features of the new systems supplied by the United States to Ukraine.

"The Vampire system is a launcher with four guided missiles. It has a powerful optical detection station that can see enemy targets up to 40 km in good conditions. A thermal imager and a laser illuminator keep the Shahed under control. The missile is aimed at the laser dot in the Shahed and flies to the target," he said.

The contract for the Vampire launchers was signed a year ago. They were to be delivered by the end of 2023. The previous contract included about 13 of these units, Zhurets says. "The range of target destruction within 5 km is guaranteed. The fight against the Shahed is an important component of Ukrainian air defense. The component related to equipping mobile groups is being expanded and strengthened," he added.

• Recently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine showcased the destruction of a Shahed' using the Vampire system for the first time, while National Guardsmen eliminated a Russian flamethrower system.