Ukrainian Marines Unveil Rocket-Armed Humvees in Action.

The 37th Separate Marine Brigade of Ukraine released images on Facebook on July 6, 2024, showcasing their armored Humvee equipped with advanced rocket systems in operational use on the battlefield. The U.S.-supplied M1152A1 Humvee, fitted with an Arnold Defense LAND-LGR4 four-shot launcher, was shown firing Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rockets at ground targets, highlighting the combat effectiveness of this configuration.
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The photos reveal the use of the LAND-LGR4 launcher on the Humvee, primarily designed for 70mm laser-guided rockets but also capable of firing unguided rockets (Picture source: 37th Separate Marine Brigade of Ukraine)

The photos reveal the use of the LAND-LGR4 launcher on the Humvee, primarily designed for 70mm laser-guided rockets but also capable of firing unguided rockets. The APKWS II rockets consist of three main components: the warhead, the rocket motor, and a guidance section that integrates between the two. This modular design allows for the use of different types of warheads, making the system versatile in various combat scenarios. This setup enhances the tactical flexibility and firepower of the Ukrainian Marines, enabling precision-guided strikes against enemy positions.

In January 2021, the United States delivered 20 armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (Humvee M1152A1) to the Ukrainian army and special forces. The M1152A1, developed by AM General, is a variant of the HMMWV designed to offer increased flexibility and protection on the battlefield. This vehicle is widely used by the U.S. armed forces and their allies.

The M1152A1 features an enhanced armor kit to provide protection against ballistic threats and explosive fragments, with modular armor that can be upgraded based on specific threats. It is powered by a 6.5-liter turbo diesel V8 engine, providing adequate power for off-road operations, coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, essential for difficult terrains. The independent suspension system on all four wheels ensures exceptional mobility over varied terrains. Designed to carry heavy loads, the M1152A1 can be configured to transport troops, equipment, or be equipped with various weapon systems, with a payload capacity of approximately 2,270 kg. Measuring about 4.57 meters in length, 2.16 meters in width, and 1.83 meters in height (variable depending on configurations), the vehicle weighs approximately 3,400 kg empty.

The LAND-LGR4 "Fletcher" rocket launcher system by Arnold Defense is designed to provide precision fire support with laser-guided rockets, a capability previously reserved for aerial platforms. First introduced in 2017 at the DSEi exhibition in London, this lightweight and reliable system can be mounted on land vehicles, ships, or used independently. The LAND-LGR4 is compatible with 70mm/2.75-inch rockets, such as the Thales FZ275, and has demonstrated remarkable accuracy during test firings. This system offers significant flexibility, enabling effective use in various combat conditions.

The LAND-LGR4 systems, developed by Arnold Defense, were delivered to Ukraine as part of ongoing U.S. efforts to bolster Ukrainian defense capabilities. In August 2022, L3Harris, a defense systems provider, announced plans to deliver the first VAMPIRE systems to Ukraine within the following nine months, which includes the LAND-LGR4 launchers mounted on Humvees. A total of 14 such systems were acquired by the U.S. government for delivery to Ukraine.

Originally designed as an air-to-ground weapon, the APKWS has a range of up to 5 kilometers when deployed from a helicopter, and up to 11 kilometers from a fixed-wing aircraft. (Picture source: 37th Separate Marine Brigade of Ukraine )

The use of APKWS II rockets provides a significant advantage, allowing for precise targeting in both offensive and defensive operations. These rockets can be deployed as anti-drone air defense weapons or as proto-artillery. The press service of the 37th Marine Brigade published rare photos of the VAMPIRE rocket systems mounted on HMMWVs in action. The VAMPIRE launcher, provided by the United States, enables the use of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, a versatile laser-guided rocket system for both defensive and offensive roles.

The core of the APKWS system is the mass-produced Hydra 70 unguided rocket, with a 70mm caliber denoting its size. The APKWS name refers to an attachment kit that includes guidance systems and flight control surfaces, effectively transforming the rocket into a high-precision missile. Ukrainian forces have used these systems to counter Russian Shahed-136 drone attacks and conduct rapid shoot-and-scoot strikes on Russian positions. The recent photos mark the first official images of the VAMPIRE systems with APKWS rockets in combat missions.

Originally designed as an air-to-ground weapon, the APKWS has a range of up to 5 kilometers when deployed from a helicopter, and up to 11 kilometers from a fixed-wing aircraft. The effective range when fired from the ground is estimated to be about 3 to 4 kilometers. The images show the square-shaped LAND-LGR4 launch pod but not the WESCAM MX-10 RSTA stabilized sighting system, another crucial part of the VAMPIRE system.

According to some analysts, the modular nature of the VAMPIRE system allows it to be used in partial configurations. While the WESCAM sensors play a role in the precise guidance of the rocket with a laser beam, they are not essential when APKWS rockets are used in a simplified manner as unguided rockets. Conventional artillery measurement devices for calculating the impact point were observed, suggesting that Ukrainian forces might be using a different type of laser target designator. The main components of the VAMPIRE system, including fire control panels and displays, are housed in the cabin, indicating that the absence of WESCAM does not necessarily mean the abandonment of the laser guidance function.