The exercise took place as the United States and Indo-Pacific allies continue to strengthen cooperation across land, maritime and littoral operating areas. L3Harris described VAMPIRE as a modular counter-UxS system designed to support layered defence against drone threats.
“One of the primary benefits of a system like VAMPIRE is the integration of highly effective and affordable munitions,” said Tom Kirkland, President, Targeting & Sensor Systems, Communications & Spectrum Dominance, L3Harris.
“The sustainability and low-cost curve that a kinetic munition like APKWS provides to the end user is what allows VAMPIRE to set a new standard. It is what our customers are looking for as part of a greater, layered counter-UxS defense strategy,” Kirkland added.
L3Harris said Exercise Balikatan 2026 underscored the increasing drone threat in the Indo-Pacific and other regions. The company said VAMPIRE is intended to defend bases, airfields, islands and critical infrastructure.
The system integrates detection, identification and defeat capabilities to counter evolving drone threats. L3Harris said VAMPIRE can operate as part of a broader layered defence architecture in drone-heavy environments.
In early 2026, L3Harris began high-volume production of VAMPIRE at its facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The company said the production line was established in response to demand from the United States and its allies for systems able to counter persistent drone threats to military personnel and infrastructure.
