21 drones downed by truck-mounted Hellfires in January

Ukrainian Air Force communications chief Yurii Ihnat confirmed that ground vehicles equipped with laser-guided Hellfire missiles are now active in air defense operations. Speaking on the RBC-Ukraine podcast TSE BAZA, Ihnat stated that the military deploys various countermeasures based on the specific area of operations.

The missile family, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is designed to engage armored vehicles and air defense systems. The Hellfire II variant uses semi-active laser homing and can be launched from helicopters, aircraft, ground vehicles, and vessels. Ihnat did not specify which exact vehicles carry the weapons, the total quantity in Ukraine's inventory, or the specific missile modifications in use.

Ukrainian forces previously reported using American Tempest mobile surface-to-air missile systems in January 2026. Those systems are equipped with two AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles. Soldiers reported shooting down 21 Russian Shahed drones using these platforms during that month.

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-based defense systems. Closer to cities and critical infrastructure, teams with man-portable air defense systems and other ground assets are deployed.

Electronic warfare equipment also plays a role in intercepting Russian assets. Ihnat noted that not all Russian systems are equally protected or equipped with appropriate antennas. In rare instances, Ukrainian forces have downed drones using assault rifles. He stressed that each asset is positioned where it is most effective.