Ukrainian trucks now carry US Hellfire missiles to intercept drones

Ukrainian ground forces are now operating vehicles armed with laser-guided US Hellfire missiles to counter Russian aerial threats. Yurii Ihnat, head of the Air Force Command's communications department, confirmed the deployment in a recent podcast interview. He described these platforms as one component of a diverse air defense network. Ihnat noted that military units select their equipment based on the specific operational area.

The Hellfire system, designated AGM-114, is an American guided missile family. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, states that the Hellfire II variant uses semi-active laser homing. The missiles can be launched from helicopters, aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships. They are designed to target armored vehicles, air defense systems, and patrol boats.

Ihnat explained that aviation units operate in zones where ground-based air defense is inactive. This protocol prevents friendly fire incidents between Ukrainian aircraft and ground systems. In areas closer to cities or critical infrastructure, teams deploy man-portable air defense systems and other ground assets. He said that electronic warfare equipment also plays a role by jamming Russian signals, as not all enemy systems have adequate protection or antennas.

The spokesperson did not specify the exact model of the vehicles used, the total number in service, or the specific missile modifications. He mentioned that soldiers have occasionally downed drones using assault rifles, though this remains a rare occurrence. Ihnat emphasized that each asset is positioned where it offers the greatest tactical effectiveness.

Ukrainian forces previously deployed American Tempest mobile surface-to-air missile systems. These units are equipped with two AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles each. In January 2026, soldiers reported using these systems to shoot down 21 Russian Shahed drones.