ContentsWhat is a HumveeWhat is a Dragon H73Other uses of HMMWV in UkraineWhat is a HumveeNot everyone knows the pricey civilian off-roader Hummer is the civilian version of the military Humvee. The HMMWV is a four-wheel-drive military vehicle made by the American company AM General.The Humvee was built to replace the jeeps heavily used by the U.S., including in Vietnam. Adopted by the U.S. Army in the 1980s, it was made to handle tough terrain, carry heavy loads, and withstand indirect fire. Dozens of Humvee modifications exist, including air defense versions.HMMWV prototypes went through hundreds of thousands of kilometers of testing, from deserts to Arctic conditions. By 1995, nearly 200,000 vehicles were built. The Humvee gained wide attention after the Gulf War with Iraq, thanks to extensive media coverage. After Desert Storm, demand soared, and a civilian version appeared under the Hummer brand with its distinct look.As for specs, the HMMWV has a 4x4 wheel system. It measures over two meters wide, 4.6 m long, and 1.8 m tall. Its diesel engine, up to 195 hp, pushes it to 70 mph (113 km/h). The empty Humvee weighs 2.7 tons and carries up to two more tons of cargo. What is a Dragon H73The public learned about a new Humvee-based air defense system in Ukraine in March 2025, when a serviceman from the 3rd Army Corps posted photos with the system on his social network. But even then, Defense Express noted that the photos were not new, "which directly shows that this air defense system appeared long ago but had never been caught on camera."The Militarnyi portal later reported that after modernization, only the HMMWV platform remained. A new cabin and a rotary launcher with two missile rails were added. Electronic warfare systems against FPV drones were also mounted on the roof.A launcher for R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles was installed in the body. The R-73 was adopted by the Soviet army in 1984. Many of these missiles remained in Poland, East Germany, and other Warsaw Pact countries after the USSR collapsed. Depending on the version, the R-73 can hit targets up to 40 km away."Old hardware is not the end. We rethought the platform and kept the key thing – maneuverability and mobility. The air-to-air missile is now land-based: 'fire and forget' – the missile hits the target, the system moves, and our fighters stay covered," the Third Assault Brigade said.This missile principle gives anti-aircraft units a clear advantage. "Fire and forget" means the missile does not need guidance, unlike other air defense systems. This allows the system to change position right after launch and avoid a retaliatory strike."Unlike the missiles used in the British Gravehawk complex, these have full-size rudders without trimming. That makes it possible to use them straight from warehouses without extra adaptation. Presumably, an optical station with a thermal imaging channel is mounted between the rails, letting operators spot targets at night. It can also be assumed the system can receive external target designation from radar stations," Militarnyi reported.In May, it was revealed that the system’s name is Dragon H73. This was announced by a commander with the call sign Shaman."The most mobile fire vehicle, built on the Humvee, is called Dragon. It is designed to destroy both enemy tactical aviation and large drones, like Orlan and Shahed. We use it 24/7, both day and night," the serviceman said.Other uses of HMMWV in Ukraine"Dragon" is not the only air defense system based on the Humvee used by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The Armed Forces of Ukraine also have the most well-known and widespread serial air defense system based on the HMMWV – Avenger. They were first delivered to Ukraine in November 2022.The AN/TWQ-1 Avenger uses relatively cheap and common Stinger MANPADS missiles, which Western partner countries supply to Ukraine in large numbers. The combat vehicle is armed with a 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun and 8 missiles, allowing it to hit air targets at altitudes up to 3.8 km and ranges up to 5.5 km."The most important 'core' of this system is the fire control unit, which lets the commander or gunner select a target and share data for target designation with other air defense systems. The AN/TWQ-1 Avenger short-range missile system in the U.S. Army is designed for two tasks – air cover for troops on the move and protection of Patriot firing positions. It is clear that the American Avengers will also be used for these two tasks in the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Defense Express wrote about these missile systems.Beyond the missile system, Ukrainian defenders are finding other uses for the Humvee. This is how the so-called "Shahed fighters" – the Vampire missile system – were mounted on the Humvee. The range against air targets launched from the ground is still unknown, Defense Express wrote, but in "ground-to-ground" mode it is estimated at 4–5 km, and when launched from an aircraft up to 11 km.In October 2023, Ukrainian soldiers showed a twin Stuhna-P launcher on a HMMWV. Photos released by the General Staff show that one remote control is used to fire from both launchers.Vinnytsia volunteers also mounted a multiple launch rocket system on an American HMMWV.