Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
APKWS guided rockets have been used in the Middle East on RAF Eurofighter Typhoons. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems has noted “strong” demand from Eurofighter customers for its Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS), in the wake of rapid testing and a successful Middle East operation of the APKWS from a Eurofighter Typhoon.
While initial study began in late 2025, the air-to-surface trail firings began in February 2026 and integration of the APKWS pods on the UK RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft in April – a testing and integration period which took around two months.
It moved from air-to-surface trials to air-to-air firings and was fielded as an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR), making its operational debut in the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal
Bell Boeing will supply 73 additional ODSSHI kits as NAVAIR prepares to introduce predictive drive-system monitoring across US and Japanese V-22 fleets.
-
AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
-
Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad
European counter-drone developers are securing early orders in the Middle East while slow domestic acquisition processes threaten to redirect production capacity, expertise and investment away from Europe.
-
India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist
With IMRH and DBMRH potentially years from service, India faces a widening rotary-wing capability gap that could drive further foreign purchases even as HAL and Safran build the foundations of an indigenous successor.
-
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space & Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.