Ukrainian soldiers are using vehicles equipped with laser-guided Hellfire missiles for air defence.
Source: Yurii Ihnat, Head of Communications Department of the Air Force Command, in the RBC-Ukraine podcast TSE BAZA
Details: Ihnat said that the defence forces deploy various means to counter Russian aerial assets depending on the area of operation.
Quote: "We have different systems – the FrankenSAM systems and there are vehicles with laser-guided Hellfire missiles."
Details: Ihnat did not specify which exact vehicles were being referred to, how many Ukraine possesses, or which missile modifications they utilise.
Ihnat also explained that aviation operates in areas where ground-based air defence is not active in order to avoid accidental engagement of Ukrainian aircraft by friendly air defence systems.
Closer to cities or specific infrastructure objects, teams with man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) and other ground-based air defence assets are deployed.
According to Ihnat, electronic warfare equipment also jams many Russian assets, as not all Russian systems are equally well-protected or equipped with appropriate antennas. Missiles on the roof of the Tempest SAM system Photo: Air Command "Centre"
Ihnat also recounted instances where Ukrainian forces brought down drones using assault rifles, although this occurs rarely.
He stressed that each asset is deployed where it is most effective.
For reference: The AGM-114 Hellfire is a family of American guided missiles designed to engage a wide spectrum of targets, including armoured vehicles, air defence systems and patrol boats.
The manufacturer Lockheed Martin said that Hellfire II missiles feature semi-active laser homing and can be launched from helicopters, aircraft, ground vehicles and vessels.
Background: Ukrainska Pravda previously reported that the Ukrainian forces were deploying American Tempest mobile surface-to-air missile systems equipped with two AGM-114 L Longbow Hellfire missiles. In January 2026, soldiers reported shooting down 21 Russian Shahed drones using these systems.
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