US Navy delivers new APKWS variant
The US Navy has delivered the first fixed-wing aircraft variant of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) to the marine attack squadron (VMA) 233 operating the AV-8B Harrier, it was announced on 30 March.
The 2.75-inch rockets with semi-active laser guidance were fielded after the marine corps put forth its requirement for the variant seven months ago. The APKWS rocket from BAE can be used to strike targets in confined and built-up areas.
The semi-active laser seeker enables the system to beam-ride reflected laser energy from ground-based or airborne laser designators for positive target acquisition.
A two-phase programme was defined to field the weapon variant. The first phase expedited fielding of a limited fixed-wing APKWS employment flight envelope capability. This included the delivery of 80 guidance kits. The second phase will expand the fixed-wing APKWS employment envelope limits for the Harrier.
Col Fred Schenk, program manager, AV-8B Harrier weapon system program office, said: ‘This capability will provide commanders with a warfighting alternative to better enable weapon-to-target pairing.’
Capt Al Mousseau, program manager, direct and time sensitive strike program office, said: ‘The intent of this requirement was to quickly provide the AV-8B with a low-cost, low-collateral damage, high-precision weapon in support of combat operations. This entire effort showcases what unity of effort among all government and industry stakeholders can accomplish to expediently deliver capability.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![Taiwan approved for purchase of $11 billion in weapons from US]()
Taiwan approved for purchase of $11 billion in weapons from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
-
![US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry]()
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
-
![NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems]()
NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems
During the latest edition of the NATO DiBaX, the alliance tested multiple capabilities to inform requirements for future efforts.
