WSJ: U.S. Redirects APKWS Components Promised to Ukraine to the Middle East

The United States has redirected components for laser-guided APKWS rockets, originally designated for Ukraine, to its Air Force units stationed in the Middle East.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the decision was made under the directive of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The Pentagon notified Congress of the move last week, citing the urgent nature of the reassignment.

The components in question are proximity fuzes with radio-frequency sensors for rockets equipped with the APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System), which Ukraine uses to shoot down Russian drones.

The administration of former President Joe Biden organized the delivery of these systems as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which authorized the use of billions of dollars in U.S. government funds to procure weapons and components from American defense contractors.

Although the funds for the program have already been spent, deliveries to Ukraine are planned for this year and next, provided the Trump administration does not redirect more of the systems to replenish U.S. military stockpiles.

The proximity fuze is one of the most critical components of the APKWS, as it enables the rocket’s warhead to detonate when it approaches a drone.

Hegseth’s decision has raised concerns among Ukraine’s supporters in Congress, who argue that the Pentagon has not clarified the impact this move may have on Ukraine’s defense or whether the U.S. Air Force’s need is truly urgent.

The report notes that the decision to redirect the components highlights a shortage of critical defense supplies, as Ukraine prepares for renewed attacks by Russian drones and missiles, while U.S. Air Force units in the Middle East brace for potential conflict with Iran or strikes from Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

APKWS

APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) is a project developed by BAE Systems. This integrated semi-active laser guidance system transforms the 70mm Hydra unguided aerial rocket into an affordable, high-precision weapon.

The Vampire (Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment) missile system is based on this rocket, with L3Harris Technologies serving as the integrator. The Vampire can be mounted on a variety of transport platforms, including off-road vehicles.

These systems were specifically developed for Ukraine to detect and intercept enemy drones, including Iranian Shahed-136 drones, which Russia refers to as Geran-2.