Experts write that the Tempest air defense system was shown in the New Year's greeting on Facebook by the Center air command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The video shows different air defense systems, not all of them were shown in full.
Defense Express writes that the American company V2X first presented its Tempest in October 2025 at the AUSA 2025 exhibition.
“As of today, it is unclear how many Tempest air defense systems Ukraine could receive. And given the fact that this is a new American development, it can be assumed that we could receive one or more prototypes for testing to further improve this weapon,” the publication writes.
Its authors noted that Tempest exists in two versions – on a trailer to protect stationary objects and in a mobile version (Defense Express showed this complex on a COTS buggy).
“The Tempest air defense system uses AGM-114L Longbow missiles to destroy targets, the cost of which can reach from $100 thousand, which is quite an expensive pleasure to intercept Shahed. Although, of course, in conditions when the Russians are increasing the production of these weapons, they are forced to use such, not very cheap, options to destroy attack drones,” experts emphasized.
Context
The aggressor country Russia attacks Ukraine every day with kamikaze drones and periodically with missiles. Therefore, Ukraine is constantly in need of replenishment of air defense systems.
