BAE Systems has secured a five-year US Navy deal to continue production of the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS) laser-guidance kits for the US and allied forces.
The award for “tens of thousands” of low-cost precision munitions begins with an initial $322-million order, with a ceiling amount of $1.7 billion depending on the options exercised.
The APKWS has been in full-rate production for more than 12 years, with manufacturing carried out at BAE’s facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas.
Neeta Jayaraman, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems, said that the award “reinforces the value of proven and cost-efficient precision munitions.”
“The APKWS guidance kit provides advanced capabilities to our armed forces and foreign allies, and high-volume production ensures rapid and efficient delivery to the warfighter,” she added.
Versatile Kit
The APKWS guidance kits — which convert unguided 2.75-inch (70-millimeter) rockets into laser-guided rockets for precision strikes against soft or lightly armored fixed or moving air and ground targets — are known for their versatility.
BAE designed them with cost-efficient maintenance and a minimal training requirement, enabling operators to neutralize threats at a lower cost compared to traditional munitions.
They are compatible with new and existing rocket motors, warheads, and fuzes, as well as various platforms, including rotorcraft, fixed-wing aircraft, uncrewed aerial vehicles, ground platforms, and naval vessels.
This year, APKWS munitions were test-fired from a multi-rotor drone and a modified F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft.
In addition, BAE is exploring its potential integration into the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet as a counter-drone option.
