Ukraine mounts Hellfire missiles on trucks to down 21 Russian drones

In January 2026, Ukrainian soldiers shot down 21 Russian Shahed drones using American Hellfire missiles mounted on ground vehicles. The weapon system represents a shift in how the country defends its airspace against low-flying aerial threats.

Yurii Ihnat, head of the communications department for the Air Force Command, confirmed the deployment in an interview with the RBC-Ukraine podcast TSE BAZA. He described a layered defense strategy that relies on different assets for different geographic zones. Ihnat stated, "We have different systems, the FrankenSAM systems and there are vehicles with laser-guided Hellfire missiles." He did not specify the exact vehicle models, the total quantity in service, or the specific missile variants used.

The placement of these assets follows a specific tactical logic. Aviation units operate in areas where ground-based air defense is inactive to prevent friendly fire incidents. Closer to cities and critical infrastructure, teams deploy man-portable air defense systems and other ground-based assets. This arrangement ensures that fixed positions do not endanger Ukrainian aircraft while still protecting populated areas.

Electronic warfare plays a supporting role in this defense network. Ihnat explained that Ukrainian jammers disrupt many Russian aerial assets because their systems lack consistent protection or appropriate antennas. In rare cases, forces have also used assault rifles to bring down drones. The command places each asset where it is most effective based on the threat profile.

The AGM-114 Hellfire is a family of American guided missiles designed to target armored vehicles, air defense systems, and patrol boats. Manufacturer Lockheed Martin notes that Hellfire II missiles use semi-active laser homing and can be launched from helicopters, aircraft, ground vehicles, and vessels. Ukrainian forces had previously deployed Tempest mobile surface-to-air missile systems equipped with two AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles, which recorded the 21 drone kills in early 2026.