Ukraine mounts Hellfires on trucks

Ukrainian soldiers are using ground vehicles equipped with American Hellfire missiles to defend against aerial threats. Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Air Force Command, disclosed this deployment strategy during a recent interview.

The missile systems are not static. Ihnat stated that forces deploy different countermeasures based on the specific area of operation. While aviation units operate in zones where ground defenses are inactive to prevent friendly fire, mobile teams handle areas closer to cities and critical infrastructure.

In those high-value zones, personnel utilize man-portable air defense systems alongside the new vehicle-mounted missile units. The Hellfire missiles, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, feature semi-active laser homing capabilities. This technology allows the weapons to be launched from helicopters, aircraft, ground vehicles, or ships.

Ihnat noted that the exact number of these vehicles and the specific missile modifications remain unspecified. The Air Force relies on a layered approach to air defense, which also includes electronic warfare equipment to jam Russian assets.

Russian systems are not equally protected against electronic interference, Ihnat said. In rare instances, Ukrainian forces have also used assault rifles to bring down drones. The military aims to place each defensive asset where it provides the greatest tactical advantage.

Ukrainian forces previously reported using American Tempest mobile surface-to-air systems. In January 2026, soldiers using these systems shot down 21 Russian Shahed drones. The new vehicle-mounted Hellfire platforms add another layer to this ongoing defense network.