Defense forces have begun shooting down drones using British RapidRanger air defense systems

Ukrainian forces are successfully using RapidRanger anti-aircraft missile systems, provided by the United Kingdom, to destroy Russian "Shahed"-type drones. One of the systems has already been spotted with markings indicating two confirmed aerial target kills, which could be either Iranian drones or "Gerbera" drones. 

This was reported by Defense Express.

The system uses Thales LMM missiles, which are guided by a “laser track” and capable of striking targets at a range of up to 6 km. The supply of this equipment as part of military aid was officially announced in March 2025. The use of the air defense system became known thanks to a video by Defense Minister Fedorov, filmed during a visit by his German counterpart Pistorius.

The United Kingdom plans to transfer thousands of LMM missiles and additional RapidRanger launchers to Ukraine. In addition to supplying finished equipment, there are agreements to transfer technology to Ukrainian industry for the local production of these systems and ammunition. The RapidRanger air defense system is a mobile solution integrated onto off-road vehicle chassis, allowing for rapid protection of infrastructure facilities against drone attacks.

In March, new RapidRanger mobile air defense systems appeared on the front lines. They are lightweight, autonomous, and capable of quickly responding to airborne threats, protecting troops and critical infrastructure.

Ukraine has received the new STRILA-2 drone interceptor, which now instantly takes to the sky and catches up with enemy Shahed drones. Thanks to German technology and artificial intelligence, the drone becomes an autonomous hunter of attack drones.