Ukrainian Air Force’s Mobile Air Defense System TEMPEST Shot Down at Least 21 Shahed Drones

The Ukrainian Air Force’s mobile anti-aircraft missile unit has already destroyed at least 21 Russian Shahed strike drones.

These interceptions were the result of the constant combat work of mobile air defense units operating in rapid response mode, according to the Air Command Center on Facebook.

The footage was likely shot in the fall or in December, so the unit’s actual combat score may exceed the one recorded today.

The unit uses the TEMPEST mobile anti-aircraft missile system, designed to engage small and high-speed air targets, including Shahed-type kamikaze drones.

The system is highly mobile, quick to deploy, and capable of rapidly changing positions after launches.

“It is these capabilities that allow the crew to work literally ahead of the curve, not giving the drones time to break through to their targets,” the Air Command Center notes.

The video captures the crew at work — it takes only a few seconds from target detection to launch. Such speed is critical for intercepting Shahed-type kamikaze drones, which are used to strike rear cities. Recently, Militarnyi mentioned this air defense system in the context of published photos of TEMPEST during delivery and assembly.

TEMPEST air defense system

The American company V2X developed the system. The air defense system was first presented at the AUSA 2025 defense exhibition, held in October 2025 in Washington.

The launcher is mounted on a Can-Am Maverick X3 chassis designed for operations where high mobility and low visibility are key.

The launcher carries two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, likely AGM-114L Hellfire Longbow, equipped with a radar-homing head.

A radar station (RLS) and radio communication antennas are also installed on the roof.

In addition to the mobile version, the developer demonstrated a Tempest version on a trailer for performing static or semi-fixed tasks, particularly for defending bases and airfield perimeters.