Ukrainian Navy shows how APKWS laser-guided rocket downs Russian missile

Defense Express reported the information.

On Saturday, January 25, the Ukrainian Naval Forces released footage of a boat crew destroying a Russian Kh-59 air-to-surface missile, reportedly launched from a Su-57 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces and targeting the civilian infrastructure of a Ukrainian seaport.

The key highlight of the released video is that the Kh-59 missile was intercepted using APKWS, likely the first public instance of this. For example, in February 2024, the Ukrainian Navy showcased Vampire missile systems with APKWS downing Shahed drones.

APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) is a precision-guided weapon that combines unguided 70mm Hydra 70 rockets with a semi-active laser guidance system. The delivery of these missiles from Germany to Ukraine was first reported in 2023, and the first video of them in action against Russian forces appeared in the summer of the same year.

APKWS missiles are used in Vampire missile systems, with 14 units ordered for the Ukrainian Defense Forces as part of defense assistance. All have been delivered and are effectively used against Russian drones and missiles.

“Given that the Ukrainian Defense Forces currently face a shortage of means to counter Russian missiles and drones, supplying more Vampire missile systems and missiles could significantly boost Ukrainian air defense,” Defense Express concluded.