- BAE Systems delivered its 100,000th APKWS laser-guidance kit as demand grows for low-cost precision munitions used by United States forces and allies.
- The United States Air Force is developing a dual-mode APKWS variant with infrared tracking to improve aircraft survivability and counter large groups of unmanned aerial systems.
BAE Systems has delivered its 100,000th Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guidance kit, the company announced on February 23, reaching a production milestone as the precision munition continues to equip United States armed forces and allied militaries.
The milestone comes as the United States Air Force moves forward with a related modernization effort focused on countering large groups of unmanned aerial systems, highlighting growing operational reliance on low-cost precision weapons designed to address evolving aerial threats while controlling engagement costs.
BAE Systems said the APKWS guidance kit remains a combat-proven, multi-mission solution capable of supporting precision strikes across a wide range of operational environments. The system has been fielded internationally and is already employed in counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) missions, where forces seek affordable alternatives to higher-cost air-to-air missiles when engaging drones.
“With over a decade of proven performance, reliability, and accuracy, APKWS guidance kits have supported precision-strike missions worldwide,” said Neeta Jayaraman, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “This milestone demonstrates our ability to deliver innovative technology rapidly and at scale. With our new production contract, we’re poised to support evolving mission needs for years to come.”
According to the company, the APKWS guidance kit transforms standard 2.75-inch unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions capable of accurate strikes while limiting collateral damage. The system integrates between the rocket motor and warhead, using laser guidance to steer the weapon toward a designated target.
The APKWS can be launched from rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, ground platforms, and maritime vessels. It supports multiple engagement profiles, including air-to-surface, surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, and air-to-air missions. The kit is designed for compatibility with existing rocket motors, warheads, and fuzes, allowing operators to upgrade legacy inventories without introducing entirely new weapon systems.
BAE Systems noted that APKWS kits are currently fielded by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps and are also available to allied nations through foreign military sales programs. Production takes place at the company’s manufacturing facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas, where the system has remained in full-rate production for more than 12 years.
Parallel to the production milestone, the United States Air Force recently disclosed details of a $145 million contract action aimed at developing and integrating an Air-to-Air Dual Mode weapon derived from the APKWS architecture. According to program documentation, the upgraded configuration is intended specifically to counter large formations of unmanned aerial systems.
The Air Force stated that the new configuration enables a transition from laser designation to an infrared seeker during flight, reducing the amount of time aircraft crews must maintain laser illumination on a target. The service said this modification minimizes exposure during engagements while allowing faster targeting cycles against multiple airborne threats.
Program documents indicate that government personnel will assemble 300 prototype All-Up Rounds using newly developed components delivered under the contract. Of those, 100 rounds will support integration and qualification testing, while 200 will serve as operational test assets evaluated in realistic operational environments. The prototypes are intended to provide an initial capability within a 24-month timeframe.
The Air-to-Air Dual Mode system builds directly on the existing APKWS precision-guided rocket, already integrated across several U.S. aircraft platforms. Integration testing is planned on the F-16 fighter aircraft to validate airworthiness and operational performance requirements.
Technically, APKWS achieves precision guidance through distributed laser-seeker sensors located along the rocket’s control section, allowing the weapon to detect reflected laser energy and adjust its flight path accordingly. The addition of infrared tracking in the dual-mode configuration allows continued target engagement after initial designation, reducing pilot workload and improving survivability during high-threat engagements.
Operationally, the system addresses a growing challenge faced by modern air forces: engaging large numbers of inexpensive drones without expending high-cost missiles designed for traditional aircraft. Precision-guided rockets such as APKWS provide a lower-cost interception option while maintaining accuracy suitable for dynamic combat environments.