Ukraine Confirms Use of Truck-Mounted Hellfires to Intercept Drones

Ukrainian forces have begun using ground vehicles equipped with laser-guided Hellfire missiles to defend against Russian aerial assets, according to a senior Air Force official. Yurii Ihnat, head of the Air Force Command communications department, made the disclosure on the RBC-Ukraine podcast TSE BAZA on October 26, 2026. He stated that the military deploys various systems based on operational areas, including FrankenSAM configurations and the new truck-mounted missile units. Ihnat did not specify the exact vehicle models, the total quantity deployed, or which specific Hellfire modifications are currently in service.

The Hellfire is an American guided missile family designed to hit armored vehicles, air defenses, and boats. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, notes that the Hellfire II variant uses semi-active laser homing and can be launched from helicopters, aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships. Ihnat explained that aviation units operate in zones where ground-based air defense is inactive to prevent friendly fire incidents. Closer to cities and critical infrastructure, teams rely on man-portable air defense systems and other ground assets.

Electronic warfare also plays a role in countering Russian drones, Ihnat said. He noted that many Russian systems lack sufficient protection or appropriate antennas, making them vulnerable to jamming. In rare instances, Ukrainian soldiers have even downed drones using assault rifles. Ihnat emphasized that each asset is positioned where it is most effective for the specific threat.

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 shooting down 21 Russian Shahed drones using these specific systems. The confirmation of truck-mounted Hellfires marks an expansion of how the military integrates U.S. supplied weaponry into its ground defense grid.