Vampire Systems to Get Shield AI Software to Counter Jet-Powered Drones

Shield AI has announced that it has licensed L3Harris Technologies to use its Tracker Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (Tracker C-UAS) software.

It will be integrated into the Vampire system to create a unified counter-drone system, Shield AI reported.

According to RAND Corporation analyst Michael Bohnert, the integration will enable better detection and more effective interception of high-speed jet-powered drones.

The Tracker C-UAS software uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to analyze imagery from electro-optical and infrared cameras. It can detect and track aerial targets from a distance without using radar or emitting radio signals.

Due to the AI operating passively, operators can detect threats in advance without revealing their position to enemy reconnaissance.

The Vampire is equipped with guided weapons and integrates the WESCAM MX-10 electro-optical system with thermal imaging and television cameras for target detection, guidance, and rocket launches. The launcher can carry four 70 mm guided rockets.

The system is based on the BAE Systems’ APKWS guided rocket. Since 2023, Vampire systems have logged over 350,000 hours of operation in combat conditions and destroyed hundreds of enemy UAVs, in service with Ukraine’s Defense Forces in particular.