BAE Systems successfully ground-launches APKWS rockets
BAE Systems has successfully completed the first test shots of its APKWS laser-guided rockets from a ground-based weapon system, the company said on 1 June.
Testing was carried out at the US Army’s Yuma Proving Ground with support from the USN and Arnold Defense.
Greg Procopio, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems, said: ‘Demand is growing for ground-to-ground precision munitions that provide a safe standoff distance for small ground units. We’re working closely with our customer and partners to deliver that capability’, Procopio stated.
The purpose-built Fletcher 70mm laser-guided rocket launcher from Arnold Defense was used during the test firing. The APKWS is the only US government programme of record for precision-guided 70mm rockets.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
- 
                
                    ![DOK-ING presents CUAS MV-8 armed with Valhalla Mangart 25 turret]()  DOK-ING presents CUAS MV-8 armed with Valhalla Mangart 25 turretThe partnership between Croatia’s DOK-ING and Slovenia’s Valhalla Turrets reflects an effort to combine ground robots and with improved capabilities and new roles and follows Rheinmetall presenting its Ox with Dispatch charging docks from Valinor. 
- 
                
                    ![British Army vehicle programme may be shifting gears again]()  British Army vehicle programme may be shifting gears againThe UK’s effort to replace thousands of vehicles across a dozen base vehicle types has had a troubled history and statements from the UK’s Defence Minster Luke Pollard indicate change may be on the way. 
- 
                
                    ![EOS improving Slinger CUAS role as industry pushes forward]()  EOS improving Slinger CUAS role as industry pushes forwardEOS Defence Systems officially launched its Slinger anti-drone system in 2023. The system features a remote weapon station, visual sensors and a Northrop Grumman 30mm cannon with specially designed ammunition, combined with EOS’s stabilisation and pointing technology. 
- 
                
                    ![Czech government developing a plan for air defence beyond 2030 alongside NATO integration]()  Czech government developing a plan for air defence beyond 2030 alongside NATO integrationThe Czech Armed Forces is set to receive four Israeli-made SPYDER long-range missile defence systems, the first of which was delivered earlier this year. They will be a key part of the country’s multilayered air defence system. 
 
         
         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
         
                 
                 
                 
                 
                