BAE Systems has delivered its 100,000th Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guidance kit, a production milestone for the widely used precision-strike system.
The APKWS kit converts standard 2.75-inch unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions, providing a lower-cost alternative to larger guided missiles while maintaining accuracy and reducing the risk of collateral damage. The system is designed for a range of missions and has increasingly been used in counter-uncrewed aircraft operations.
“With over a decade of proven performance, reliability, and accuracy, APKWS guidance kits have supported precision-strike missions worldwide,” said Neeta Jayaraman, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “This milestone demonstrates our ability to deliver innovative technology rapidly and at scale. With our new production contract, we’re poised to support evolving mission needs for years to come.”
The guidance kit can be launched from multiple platforms, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, ground vehicles and maritime platforms. It supports a range of engagement types, including air-to-surface, surface-to-surface, surface-to-air and air-to-air strikes.
APKWS systems are currently fielded by the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps and are available to allied nations through foreign military sales programmes. BAE Systems has produced the system at full rate for more than a decade and continues to develop upgrades and new variants to address emerging threats. Production of the APKWS guidance kit takes place at BAE Systems facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas.
Will the UK be getting this for its F35Bs and Typhoon’s for counter drone? And, is the 25mm gun pod worth a look for the F35B?
It is now being rapidly incorporated on Typhoon. There was pictures of it doing aerodynamic test last week. I doubt it will be on the F35 anytime soon. Lockheed Martin has issues integrating anything especially no stealthy weapons in the wings.
What other platforms might it be useful if they had it? Hawk / M-246, army Wildcat?
There is the beechceaft t-6 wolverine based on the t.6 texan, which we currently have. Now, not sure these can be updated, but buying an aircraft that shares commonality would be beneficial for parts. However, it would be nice to see the a light fighter hawk back.
Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine:
Ah! I see the Textron web site does advertise the Wolverine comes with an EO/IR targeting suite.
My understanding is that these Shahed drones are difficult to spot; made of composite – low radar x-section. So targeting is a problem. I’ve seen some outrageously expensive ground based radar systems – sort of phalanx on steroids. The drones have a petrol engine which might show up on an I/R sensor like Pirate. The Navy Wildcat has a Wescam EO/IR sensor. Do they use that for aiming the laser beam for the Martlets? I think any other platform would need something similar. Pointing a laser beam at the target looks like the tricky bit.
Iran has shown how easy the Gulf States air defence and search radars are to hit using Shaheds and other drones. Iran have clearly mapped out where the Gulf States have located their radars, plus probably got satellite intel from Russia/China. But perhaps worryingly one of the THAAD radars was taken out. These radars are serious pieces of kit and not easily replaced.
According to the F35’s joint project office (JPO), APKWS is not listed for integration on the F35. I suspect that will change, as its proving pretty effective against drones, and is a shed load cheaper than a Sidewinder or ASRAAM.