Tempest: American Missile Buggy Scores 20+ Kills in Ukraine

The Tempest has rapidly established itself as a vital asset in Ukraine's layered air defense network. In a video statement released by the Air Command for the country's central region, an operator identified by the call-sign Shorty detailed the system's immediate impact.

"As of now, our crew has destroyed 21 Shahed drones,"

The footage, which features at least three separate clips of engagements, shows the buggy firing projectiles that arc upward to intercept their targets. The vehicle's mobility allows crews to relocate quickly after firing, a crucial tactic when dealing with drone swarms.

The system has been in Ukraine since at least December, appearing in a New Year's montage published by the Air Command. This indicates that the vehicle has been undergoing testing and operational evaluation for several months.

The Tempest is manufactured by V2X, a Virginia-headquartered defense contractor. While the specific missile type was not officially identified in the footage, the munitions visible on the launcher closely resemble the AGM-114 Hellfire series.

Experts analyzing the footage suggest the vehicle utilizes the Longbow variant of the Hellfire missile. Unlike standard laser-guided Hellfires often fired from aircraft like the Apache helicopter, the Longbow uses active radar homing. This allows for a true "fire-and-forget" engagement, where the crew can launch and immediately seek cover or reload.

• Vehicle Type: Commercial off-the-shelf buggy
• Launcher: Dual-rail system
• Guidance: Likely Radar (Longbow)
• Warhead: 9kg (20lb) high explosive

The introduction of the Tempest solves a critical tactical problem for Ukrainian forces. As Russia increased the volume of drone attacks, traditional defenses became overwhelmed. Truck-mounted machine guns were effective only at low altitudes and required crews to be dangerously exposed.

Furthermore, Russian engineers have adapted Shahed drones to fly at higher altitudes, rendering small arms fire largely ineffective. The Tempest bridges this gap, offering a mobile, precision-guided solution that can reach targets at the altitudes where loitering munitions operate.

Mobility is essential because Shaheds travel at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Air defense crews have a narrow window to detect, track, and engage these targets. The buggy's off-road capability ensures crews can set up firing positions in open fields or muddy terrain where traditional trucks cannot go.

A significant aspect of modern drone warfare is the economic balance. Russian Shahed drones are relatively cheap to produce, with estimates suggesting a cost between $35,000 and $70,000 per unit. Russia also deploys decoy drones, such as the Gerbera, to saturate Ukrainian defenses.

In contrast, Hellfire missiles are expensive precision weapons. A 2021 congressional report indicated an average unit cost of approximately $123,000 when factoring in support equipment and training. The radar-guided Longbow variant is likely on the higher end of this price spectrum.

Despite the cost disparity, the strategic value of protecting critical infrastructure and civilian populations justifies the expenditure. The Tempest provides a reliable countermeasure that cheaper options, such as FPV interceptor drones, cannot always guarantee due to the skill and coordination required to chase down a Shahed.

The Tempest represents a shift toward specialized, mobile platforms designed specifically for the unique challenges of the Ukrainian battlefield. V2X is currently pitching the vehicle to the US Army, suggesting that the system could see broader adoption if its combat record continues to grow.

It remains unclear how many units are currently deployed, as footage typically shows only a single vehicle at a time. However, the success reported by the crew operating the first Tempest suggests that this American buggy will play a sustained role in keeping Ukrainian skies locked down against Russian aerial threats.