The Royal Air Force has deployed the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System on anti-drone operations in the Middle East, fitted to Typhoon fighter jets, after moving from testing to operational deployment in under two months.
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, known as APKWS, uses laser guidance to turn unguided rockets into precision weapons capable of engaging drones and other threats at a fraction of the cost of conventional missiles. Rapid procurement and testing work by the MoD alongside industry partners BAE Systems and QinetiQ enabled the system to reach operational service within months of development beginning.
A successful test strike against a ground-based target took place in March, followed by successful air-to-air firing conducted by RAF Typhoon pilots from 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron in April. Sorties have since been flown by 9 Squadron RAF Typhoon jets as part of ongoing defensive missions in the region.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said the speed of deployment demonstrated what was possible when government and industry worked closely together. “This has been a superb effort working with industry to test and deploy this system in a matter of months, which will help the RAF shoot down many more drones at a much lower cost. Our Typhoon fleet is the backbone of UK and NATO air defence, with the RAF protecting Europe’s Eastern flank from Russian drone incursions and defending our partners across the Middle East.”
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems Air sector, said the capability demonstrated the Typhoon’s adaptability. “Our priority is to ensure the Royal Air Force and its allies have the advanced technologies they need today and into the future, to keep them ahead of evolving threats. This capability demonstrates Typhoon’s exceptional versatility and underlines its continued role as the backbone of combat air across Europe and the Middle East.”
Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer of QinetiQ, said his teams had provided the support needed to deliver urgent capability at pace. “From engineering expertise to live trials, our teams are providing the fundamental support needed by our armed forces, to deliver the urgent capabilities that ensure the UK and its allies remain safe and warfighting ready.”
Air Commodore Donal McGurk, Air 11 Group Deputy Director Operations, welcomed the deployment. “We welcome the speed of development and meticulous testing behind the deployment of these missile systems for use on our Typhoons. They are a valuable addition to the air defence package we are already employing with agility across the Middle East.”
