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LandEuro 2025: Ukraine Showcases Vampire Drone, A Powerful Asset for Tactical Night Strikes
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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At the LandEuro 2025 defense exhibition in Wiesbaden, Germany, Ukraine showcased its Vampire drone, a cutting-edge, night-striking tool that's transforming the battlefield. Designed by SkyFall, the drone is specifically tailored for nighttime operations and frontline support, as was reported on July 18.
The Vampire is a six-rotor hexacopter with a 15 kg payload capacity, 23-minute flight endurance, and an effective operational range of 20 km. Equipped with bispectral thermal cameras, secure GNSS navigation, and hardened communication systems, it’s built to withstand Russian electronic warfare.
Its modular weapon mount allows operators to deliver various munitions, including thermobaric, cumulative, and fragmentation munitions, as well as anti-tank mines like the TM-62, reports Army Recognition.
Ukraine has used the Vampire for nighttime strike missions targeting Russian infantry, vehicles, and logistics hubs. Its quiet flight profile and precision make it ideal for surprise attacks on enemy positions.
In several instances, Ukrainian brigades have used it to carry out multiple strike sorties in a single night, disrupting Russian assaults.
The drone also delivers supplies such as ammunition and medical equipment to troops in danger. The integration of the Vampire with other autonomous systems has boosted the survivability and flexibility of Ukrainian forces.
The drone can operate autonomously or via remote control, even in electronic warfare environments, and can be launched from concealed positions near the front line. Its rapid training process, where operators become proficient in just a few hours, has made it a core tool in the Ukrainian military’s arsenal.
Russian forces have reportedly named it “Baba Yaga”, fearing its relentless night strikes. It has also been used for cross-border missions, hitting targets in Russian-held territories like Kursk, weakening Russia’s logistical capabilities and reducing its ability to mass troops undetected.
Earlier, it was reported how vampire drones of Ukraine's 25th airborne brigade strike under the cover of the night, in photos.
