Ukrainian Air Defense: Trucks Mount Laser-Guided Hellfires

Ukrainian air defense forces are now employing ground vehicles equipped with laser-guided Hellfire missiles to counter Russian aerial threats. Yurii Ihnat, head of the Air Force Command Communications Department, confirmed the deployment during a recent podcast interview.

Ihnat stated that military units utilize a mix of systems depending on their operational location. He noted that forces deploy FrankenSAM systems alongside vehicles carrying the laser-guided missiles. This layered approach allows troops to engage targets without relying solely on radar-based interceptors.

The Air Force avoids operating aircraft in zones where ground-based air defense is active. This separation prevents friendly fire incidents. Closer to urban centers or critical infrastructure, teams rely on man-portable air defense systems and other ground assets.

Ihnat explained that electronic warfare equipment also disrupts many Russian drones. He said not all enemy systems possess the same level of protection or specific antenna configurations. In rare cases, soldiers have even used assault rifles to shoot down incoming drones.

The AGM-114 Hellfire is an American guided missile designed for targets including armored vehicles and patrol boats. Lockheed Martin produces the Hellfire II variant, which features semi-active laser homing. The missile can be launched from helicopters, aircraft, ground vehicles, and vessels. In January, Ukrainian soldiers reported destroying 21 Russian Shahed drones using mobile systems equipped with these missiles.