21 Shaheds Downed by Truck-Mounted Hellfires in January

Ukrainian air defense units are now operating vehicles armed with American laser-guided Hellfire missiles to intercept Russian aerial assets.

Yurii Ihnat, Head of Communications for the Air Force Command, disclosed this deployment strategy during an appearance on the RBC-Ukraine podcast TSE BAZA. He explained that forces select countermeasures based on the specific area of operation to maximize effectiveness.

The integration of these systems followed earlier reports regarding American Tempest mobile surface-to-air missile platforms. These Tempest vehicles, which carry two AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles, were previously credited with downing 21 Russian Shahed drones in January 2026. Ihnat confirmed that the military utilizes these specific missile modifications alongside other ground-based assets.

The Air Force employs a layered defense approach to manage airspace. Aviation units operate in zones where ground-based air defense is inactive to prevent friendly fire incidents. Conversely, man-portable air defense systems and other ground assets are positioned closer to cities and critical infrastructure. Ihnat noted that electronic warfare equipment also plays a role by jamming Russian systems that lack robust protection or appropriate antennas.

The AGM-114 Hellfire is a family of American guided missiles designed to engage targets such as armored vehicles, air defense systems, and patrol boats. According to manufacturer Lockheed Martin, the Hellfire II variant features semi-active laser homing and can be launched from helicopters, aircraft, ground vehicles, and vessels. Ihnat did not specify the exact number of these missile-equipped vehicles currently in service or the specific vehicle models used.

The command continues to deploy various assets where they are most effective. In rare instances, Ukrainian forces have also downed drones using assault rifles. Ihnat stated that the goal is to match the weapon system to the threat, ensuring that resources are used efficiently across the front.