Tempest air defense missile system in Ukraine
The Tempest air defense system at the AUSA-2025 exhibition. Photo: Armyrecognition.com
Foreign countries continue to transfer various anti-aircraft systems and complexes to Ukraine to restore its air defenses. Sometimes, these deliveries include some very interesting items. For example, it was recently reported that a self-propelled anti-aircraft system was delivered to Ukraine from the United States. missile The Tempest system from V2X. This product features an interesting design and a unique combination of features.
From ready-made components
V2X Inc., a Reston, Virginia-based company, develops various electronic control systems and equipment for both military and civilian applications. Recently, it decided to explore the field of combat vehicles. The company has begun developing its own self-propelled air defense missile system by 2024-25.
The project was named Tempest. Its concept was fairly simple, allowing for rapid development. The completed new air defense system was first unveiled in mid-October last year at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA-2025) conference. A fully functional prototype system and promotional materials were on display at the event's pavilion.
According to the developer's concept, the Tempest product should be a highly mobile vehicle Defense, capable of engaging aerial targets in the near-field. Small and medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles or guided weapons with similar parameters are primarily considered targets for such a SAM system.
The Burya was claimed to offer an optimal balance of price, features, and performance. This was achieved through the extensive use of off-the-shelf components. Only individual components had to be developed from scratch, along with the integration of all devices and instruments.
SAM system at the firing range. Photo by V2X
The V2X Tempest system attracted the attention of exhibition attendees, but primarily as an interesting solution to a pressing problem. No interest from potential customers was reported in October. Perhaps such a system could be presented at other exhibitions in the future, leading to actual negotiations and orders.
In the war zone
Following the conclusion of AUSA-2025, the advanced air defense system temporarily faded into obscurity. However, it recently resurfaced, under rather interesting circumstances. It turns out that this system (or systems) are already undergoing military testing in a combat zone.
In early January, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced the receipt of a new American air defense system. A video was published showing the Tempest system being demonstrated at a firing range and launch site. Some information, however, was also provided, raising doubts.
It's unknown which organizations organized the delivery of the American air defense system to Ukraine or how exactly. Such items were not included in official plans for the transfer of military equipment. It's possible the equipment was delivered through certain "volunteer" organizations. The number of combat vehicles is also unknown, but it's unlikely to be more than one or two. The unit the Tempests were assigned to is also unknown.
According to fragmentary reports, the Ukrainian crew or crews are currently mastering the new equipment and undergoing combat coordination. The photo of the missile launch was likely taken during training at the range. After the current training is complete, the Burya or Buri will join other air defense forces and provide cover for various targets.
It should be noted that information about the Tempest air defense system in Ukraine appeared more than two weeks ago. During this time, no new information about this equipment has been received. There have been no reports yet on the commencement of full combat operations, use, or successes. Should we expect such news, big question.
A Tempest, presumably at a Ukrainian training ground. Photo: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense
From ready-made components
The V2X Tempest is a self-propelled, short-range air defense system. One of the project's key objectives was to reduce production and operating costs. This was achieved by using only off-the-shelf components and maximizing design simplification. This approach was also expected to maintain the system's key performance characteristics and combat capabilities.
The air defense missile system is based on the Can-Am Maverick X3 light buggy, manufactured by the Canadian company BRP Inc. It is an extended-length version with a double-row cabin. A launcher-like system is mounted on the top of the safety frame, and the cabin accommodates the commander and operator.
The Maverick X3 chassis, available in various configurations, is built on a tubular spaceframe. A 200-horsepower Rotax ACE gasoline engine is mounted in the rear of the chassis. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides all-wheel drive. Both axles feature independent wishbone suspension and long-travel shock absorbers. On the highway, the vehicle can reach speeds of up to 95-100 km/h.
Without additional equipment, the Maverick X3 is approximately 4,2 m long, 1,6 m wide, and 1,7 m high. Ground clearance is 330 mm. The chassis's kerb weight, depending on the version, exceeds 820-830 kg.
A unique launcher was developed for the Tempest air defense missile system. It consists of a frame with space for a radar and two inclined missile launch rails. The ammunition is stowed on the sides of the carrier vehicle, which should reduce the negative impact of reactive gases.
The system searches for air targets using the pMHR radar from the Israeli company RADA. This phased-array radar operates in the S-band and apparently searches for targets only in the forward hemisphere. It is also used for missile launch preparation.
The RADA pMHR radar with multiple phased arrays. Photo: Armyrecognition.com
The Burya is armed with two AGM-114L Hellfire Longbow missiles. This munition is 1,6 meters long with a body diameter of 180 mm and weighs less than 50 kg. The missile is powered by a solid-fuel motor, which allows it to reach speeds of no more than Mach 1,2-1,3. Its range is stated at 7-8 km. However, the feasibility of achieving such performance from a ground launch is questionable.
A distinctive feature of the AGM-114L is its use of an active radar homing head. This seeker is designed to detect and track an aerial target prior to launch. Firing is then accomplished using the "fire-and-forget" principle. The target is destroyed by the detonation of a 9 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
Real potential
The new American Tempest air defense system is being considered as a mobile air defense system capable of shooting down various attack UAVs like the Geranium, in various modifications. It was in this capacity that the new equipment was sent to Ukraine to participate in repelling massive strikes by Russian unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation.
Certain hopes are likely pinned on the Burya. However, the actual potential of these systems is, at the very least, questionable. The system resembles an improvised and compromised development, undertaken in haste and under various constraints. This has led to peculiar results.
The air defense missile system is built on a commercial buggy chassis. This was intended to achieve high maneuverability and cross-country capability on various terrain. Furthermore, this chassis should speed up the time it takes to reach a designated position for a timely response to an air attack.
With some caveats and limitations, the selected Maverick X3 chassis is suitable for these missions. However, operational and maintenance issues are possible. A unit receiving the new air defense system will require spare parts for the chassis and other resources.
Handling an AGM-114 missile. Photo: US Department of Defense
The system's electronic and missile components raise a number of questions. For example, the air defense missile system has a generally decent radar with fairly high performance, capable of observing and detecting potential aerial targets. However, its phased array is fixed, limiting its field of view and firing angle.
The choice of missile for such a SAM system also seems odd. The AGM-114L has the theoretical capability of being launched from a ground-based launcher against an airborne target, but this mode is not optimal in any way. It reduces the launch range, limits the intercept altitude, limits the target's maximum speed, and so on. Furthermore, the ability of the standard ARGSN to detect small and stealthy targets is questionable.
Another major problem with the Tempest is its small ammunition load. The SAM can only fire two missiles before needing to be reloaded. While new missiles are being installed, the system pauses its alert status and is unable to monitor the situation and/or engage targets.
Thus, establishing air defense of an area or facility using Tempest V2X systems is an extremely complex task with predictable results. A significant number of these air defense systems must be deployed to ensure 360-degree airspace coverage, or at least the most dangerous sector. Furthermore, the number of combat vehicles and missiles on them must be commensurate with the scale of the attack and the probability of hitting targets.
However, even a properly organized defense does not guarantee success. The system has a number of objective limitations of various kinds that will make it difficult to intercept even the most uncomplicated aerial targets.
It should be noted that Ukraine has received no more than a few Tempest units. Whether mass production, deliveries, and deployment will be organized remains unknown. However, without these measures, no positive results will be achieved.
Lots of restrictions
Thus, an American company with no experience in air defense systems developed its first air defense system, and this trial run cannot be considered a success. The resulting system suffers from a number of serious limitations that prevent it from effectively addressing the intended range of combat missions.
Nevertheless, a Tempest prototype system (or systems) was sent to Ukraine for operation and evaluation in combat zones or air defense zones. Clearly, the operational experience of such equipment will be unsuccessful, and it will not live up to expectations. What the developer will do in this regard remains a big question.
Information