US Demonstrated F-16’s Ability to Carry 42 APKWS missiles, 20,000 of Which Trump Took from Ukraine

The US Air Force has shown an F-16 fighter jet belonging to the 20th Fighter Wing with six LAU-131/A seven-tube pods adapted for use with APKWS missiles.

The photos were published by the US Department of Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

“With a maximum speed of over Mach 2, the F-16 offers exceptional range and maneuverability, making it an important asset for both the US Air Force and allied air forces, especially when using the AGR-20F platform,” the agency stated.

AGR-20 is the official military designation for the APKWS II missile in the United States.

APKWS

APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) is a BAE Systems project to integrate a semi-active laser homing head into the Hydra 70mm unguided aircraft rocket.

For use as an anti-aircraft missile, it is equipped with a remote detonator that detonates the warhead even if it misses the target. This significantly increases the effectiveness of air target interception.

The United States Air Force first used laser-guided APKWS II missiles to intercept Houthi drones in 2024. In January 2025, they were reportedly used by American F-16s, but at that time, the published photos showed that the aircraft was equipped with only two LAU-131/A units.

In May 2025, a heavy F-15E Strike Eagle fighter from the 96th Test Wing of the US Air Force was spotted with six seven-round LAU-131/A units and APKWS missiles.

Equipping fighters with many inexpensive air-to-air missiles allows them to effectively combat large numbers of strike drones. At the same time, this significantly reduces the risk of incidents compared to the use of cannon armament.

According to Pentagon budget documents, the cost of a single AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missile is just under $420,000. For comparison, APKWS II guidance and control systems cost about $15,000. The warhead and engine cost several thousand more.

In June, in preparation for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the US redirected 20,000 anti-aircraft missiles with APKWS laser guidance systems, which were intended for transfer to Ukraine, to its Air Force units in the Middle East.

The production of these missiles for Ukraine was organized by the administration of former President Joe Biden as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).

Although these weapons were purchased under a program specifically designated for Ukraine, the US Secretary of Defense has the right to redirect purchased weapons to the US Army in “cases of urgent need.”