L3Harris Technologies has announced the integration of its innovative VAMPIRE counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) with GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). This partnership provides military users with a mobile and cost-effective solution to combat the increasing threat posed by small drones on the battlefield.
The VAMPIRE system, which stands for Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) Rocket Equipment, is designed as a self-contained defense mechanism capable of identifying and neutralizing autonomous aerial vehicles. This ready-to-deploy system can be installed on various types of vehicles or vessels within minutes, allowing military units to adapt quickly to evolving combat scenarios.
L3Harris reported that the VAMPIRE system has been operational since 2023 and has successfully intercepted hundreds of enemy unmanned aerial systems (UAS) during combat operations in Europe. According to Tom Kirkland, vice president and general manager of Targeting and Sensor Systems at L3Harris, the deployment of the VAMPIRE on GM Defense’s ISV exemplifies the system’s effectiveness in countering what has become a pervasive threat from hostile drones.
The Infantry Squad Vehicle itself is based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 model and is engineered for rapid deployment in challenging environments. Equipped with a 275-horsepower Duramax turbo-diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, the ISV is lightweight yet durable, capable of transporting up to 3,200 pounds (approximately 1,451 kilograms) of equipment while accommodating nine soldiers. Its design allows for versatile transport options, as it can be lifted by helicopters like the UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, and CH-53 Stallion, or air-dropped from larger aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules.
John Johnson, Vice President of Government Solutions and Strategy at GM Defense, emphasized the ISV’s versatility as one of its fundamental strengths. He noted that the successful integration of the VAMPIRE showcases how the ISV’s modular architecture and commercial-based design can seamlessly incorporate advanced technologies to enhance the safety and operational effectiveness of military personnel.
With the ongoing evolution of warfare and the rise of drone threats, the collaboration between L3Harris and GM Defense represents a significant step forward in providing military forces with the tools they need to maintain an advantage on the battlefield.
