BAE Systems Produces 100,000th APKWS Guidance Kit

BAE Systems has manufactured and delivered the 100,000th Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser guidance kit.

Defence Blog reported that the company has expanded APKWS production for the U.S. armed forces and their allies.

The APKWS guidance kit converts standard unguided rockets into high-precision munitions.

The system is installed between the rocket motor and the warhead and uses laser guidance to steer the rocket to its target.

From an operational standpoint, the system addresses an increasingly pressing challenge — the need to neutralize large numbers of low-cost drones without resorting to expensive missiles designed to counter traditional aircraft.

High-precision guided rockets such as APKWS provide a more cost-effective interception method while maintaining the necessary accuracy in a dynamic combat environment. The United States recently allocated $145 million for the development of a new version of the APKWS II rocket featuring a dual-mode laser and infrared seeker to counter large groups of drones.

Last year, a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet was spotted carrying APKWS II rockets deployed against drones.