Ukrainian forces intercepted a Russian Kh-59 cruise missile targeting the Pivdennyi port, a key hub for grain exports on the Black Sea, according to the Ukrainian Navy.
The missile, launched by a Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet during Russia’s overnight drone strike on Friday, was reportedly destroyed mid-flight by a surface-to-air missile fired from a Ukrainian patrol boat equipped with the VAMPIRE defense system.
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Military sailors destroyed an enemy aircraft missile Kh-59The crew of one of the boats of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed an enemy missile Kh-59, which was launched from a Russian Su-57 aircraft and aimed at the civilian infrastructure of the pic.twitter.com/nezHcyjIK1
— Malinda 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇵🇱🇨🇦🇮🇹🇦🇺🇬🇧🇬🇪🇩🇪🇸🇪 (@TreasChest) January 25, 2025
The VAMPIRE system, originally designed for ground vehicles, was adapted by Ukrainian engineers for naval use. Mounted on a patrol boat, the system used laser-guided APKWS rockets to destroy the incoming missile.
The #American company received a contract from the #PENTAGON for the supply of VAMPIRE missile systems for #Ukraine. The contract value is $40 million,L3Harris press service.
The VAMPIRE mobile system will allow the ground forces of Ukraine to detect and shoot down enemy drones. pic.twitter.com/L0c9HtYORq— Feher_Junior (@Feher_Junior) January 9, 2023
The recent footage released by Ukraine is the first recorded instance of the VAMPIRE system being used to intercept a cruise missile in combat.
The Pivdennyi port, crucial to Ukraine’s economy, has been a frequent target in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Friday’s missile and drone attack, involving over 60 aerial weapons, also targeted several regions across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv.
