Advanced Precision
Kill Weapon System
US Army Tests BAE Systems Laser-Guided Counter-Drone Rockets
The U.S. Army’s Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office has completed an assessment of BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System laser-guidance kits against class-2 drones. During an exercise at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, the Department of Defense found that 70-millimeter APKWS rockets were 100 percent effective against drones weighing between 25 and 50 pounds moving over 100 miles per hour.
In a press release, BAE explained that the system’s M151 warheads now carry proximity fuzes meant to enable engagement with class-2 and 3 drones.
Aimee D’Onofrio, a director at BAE, said APKWS is already in full-rate production, noting that the company can produce up to 25,000 units of the systems in a year.
APKWS systems are accessible to DOD military services and U.S. allies, BAE said Tuesday.
In November 2022, the company concluded APKWS guidance kit testing on armored targets. It used High-Explosive Anti-Tank Anti-Personnel Anti-Materiel warheads developed by General Dynamics.
Category: Future Trends
Tags: Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System APKWS BAE Systems Future Trends Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office laser guidance kits US Army
