A British-made short-range air defense system has entered service with the 156th Ukrainian Air Defense Missile Regiment.
According to a report by Defence Blog, the Terrahawk Paladin system, mounted on a MAN HX chassis, was designed to counter unmanned aerial threats that continue to target Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure.
The primary goal of the Paladin is to detect and destroy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using a 30mm Mark 44 Bushmaster II cannon, a 360-degree surveillance radar, an electro-optical targeting system, and a night-vision channel for combat in low-visibility conditions.
The platform is fully autonomous, allowing the system to respond quickly with minimal crew intervention, and is equipped with integrated sensors to detect, track, and engage airborne, ground, and maritime targets at short ranges.
Images of the vehicle in operation in Ukraine show additional protective screens installed around the radar, a modification likely intended to protect vital mission sensors from damage during drone attacks or fragmentation events.
The system is part of a growing range of short-range air defense and counter-drone systems delivered to Ukraine to counter the increasing threat from Russian drones, including Shaheds, Lancets, and small reconnaissance platforms.
Western governments and manufacturers have accelerated the delivery of mobile weapon systems, radar-guided weapon stations, and electronic warfare platforms to help Ukraine disperse its air defense network and protect critical sites from low-altitude threats.
Photo: Ukrainian Air Force. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
