The US Navy ordered thousands of APKWS laser-guided rockets to meet growing demand say defence giant BAE.
The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $180.5 million contract to continue producing Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets to meet the growing US and international demand for the systems.
APKWS rockets are seeing increasing use in theatre because, BAE say, they deliver cost-effective precision strikes with reduced potential for collateral damage. The latest order, which is funded under the recently announced indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, will help BAE Systems to meet increased demand.
Rachel Guill, director of Precision Guidance Solutions at BAE Systems said:
“We’re delivering ahead of schedule even with the growing demand.
Our APKWS rockets are critical to the mission success of our U.S. government and allied nation customers. This high-quality, reliable product is easy to use and provides accurate strike capability at a fraction of the cost of other precision munitions.”
BAE say about the system:
“APKWS laser-guided rockets allow militaries to leverage existing munitions and weapons systems investments with minimal effort and training. The APKWS mid-body guidance kit transforms standard unguided Hydra 70 (2.75-inch) rockets into highly accurate precision munitions by easily screwing into place between the warhead and the motor.
The exceptional accuracy of the APKWS laser-guided rocket makes it extremely versatile to address various missions, and its modular design enables streamlined deployment on fixed- and rotary-wing platforms.”
The technology is available to international customers through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
