Ukrainian Defense Ministry of Defense has disclosed the capabilities of the British short-range air defense system Rapid Ranger. It is effectively being used to destroy Shahed-type strike drones.
Since the beginning of 2026, Russia has significantly intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, using a wide range of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
During this period, Ukraine’s Defense Forces have shot down around 9,500 strike drones, along with a large number of missiles, reflecting the unprecedented intensity of aerial attacks and the strain on Ukrainian air defense systems.
Night drone warfare over Ukraine amid record attack waves in 2026
Among the most effective countermeasures are the British Rapid Ranger systems. These are automated mobile platforms capable of detecting targets at up to 15 km and engaging them at up to 7 km with LMM Martlet missiles.
The system is equipped with a 360-degree electro-optical surveillance suite and can use infrared sensors for target detection and tracking. It can also operate with radar support and function either autonomously or as part of a networked air defense system.
High-precision interception against low-signature aerial threats
The LMM Martlet missiles use infrared and laser guidance, allowing them to effectively engage targets with low thermal signatures or those deploying heat decoys. This is particularly relevant against reconnaissance UAVs such as the Orlan-10.
As a result, Rapid Ranger demonstrates high effectiveness against complex aerial threats where conventional detection systems often struggle.
Mobile air defense units are creating fast-response aerial shield
The system has a modular design and can be mounted on various platforms—from pickup trucks to armored vehicles. In Ukraine’s Armed Forces, it is reportedly deployed on Spanish-made URO VAMTAC vehicles, which allow rapid repositioning.
The 13 kg LMM Martlet missile reaches speeds of up to 1,800 km/h and engages targets at distances of up to 7 km. This positions Rapid Ranger between mobile fire groups and heavy air defense systems, filling a critical gap in short-range air defense.
Rapid Ranger effectively creates a new layer of Ukraine’s air defense architecture, operating in the space where other systems cannot respond quickly enough.
