BAE Systems tests rocket laser guidance kits for anti-drone role
The APKWS technology converts unguided rockets into smart munitions for precise strikes on soft and lightly armoured targets. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems’ APKWS laser guidance kits have undergone successful testing in a counter-UAS (C-UAS) mission led by the US DoD's Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO).
The testing against Class 2 UAS enables the fielding of precision-guided rockets to partner nations around the world, BAE Systems said.
The APKWS technology converts unguided rockets into smart munitions for precise strikes on soft and lightly armoured targets.
Related Articles
Kawasaki develops C-UAS laser system for Japanese military
A newly developed proximity fuse for the standard M151 warhead allows the laser guidance kits to target Class 2 and Class 3 drones that weigh less than 25kg, retaining the legacy point denotation capability for maximum flexibility of the weapon in the field.
According to BAE Systems, APKWS provides a cost-effective solution that enables rockets to engage and destroy drones with unprecedented precision at a fraction of the cost of existing C-UAS systems.
In a US DoD-led exercise at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, the 70mm APKWS-guided rockets displayed 100% effectiveness when fired against drones weighing between 11 and 22,5kg and travelling at more than 160km/h.
The APKWS C-UAS solution is platform agnostic, permitting multiple options to accelerate fielding.
Aimee D’Onofrio, director of precision guidance and sensing solutions at BAE Systems, said: ‘Our engineers’ passion for APKWS technology led to the development of this new product designed to meet drones head-on.
‘This is a solution that comes at a remarkably affordable price point, and with APKWS already at full-rate production, we can ramp up to 25,000 units per year to make an immediate impact.’
The APKWS guidance kits are manufactured at BAE Systems’ facility in Hudson, New Hampshire. The kits are available to US allies through Foreign Military Sales.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) to replace thousands of vehicles is in flux as the tender for the Light Mobility Vehicle segment planned for November is set to be missed. IDV Robotics’ Dr Geoff Davis is calling for the UK government to focus broadly on indigenous capability for procurement and to do it faster.
-
DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask
Avon Protection has been growing and improving its integrated systems offerings. Last year the company released its Exoskin total protective suit system and earlier this year the MITR-M1 half mask.
-
DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements
Elbit Systems UK was awarded the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) programme in January 2021, which will integrate with the UK’s army, marines and air force. The parent company has decades of heritage in the UK and is looking to compete for the Watchkeeper drone replacement.
-
DSEI 2025: Milrem’s Havoc 8×8 robot to undergo live firing trials next year
The Havoc uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) was unveiled at IDEX 2025 in February. It is built around a hybrid electric powertrain which provides silent running over medium distances and silent watch for extended periods of time.
-
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering kicks off export drive for new Bronco 3
The original Bronco was developed to meet the requirements of the Singapore Army and subsequently built in large numbers and many configurations.
-
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering and ARIS discuss partnership to offer Bronco all-terrain carrier to Italian Army.
On the show floor at DSEI 2025, representatives from ST Engineering and ARIS, and retired Italian general Ivan Caruso outlined the background to the teaming agreement with land warfare expert Christopher F Foss.