The US State Department has approved three separate foreign military sales of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) to Israel, Qatar, and the UAE.
Israel and Qatar each requested 10,000 APKWS-II all-up rounds, with both proposed packages carrying an estimated value of $992.4 million.
Meanwhile, the UAE requested 1,500 APKWS-II guidance sections configured for air-to-air use in a potential sale valued at $147.6 million.
These potential sales suggest that the APKWS, which converts an unguided munition into a precision-guided one and has been explored as a low-cost anti-drone weapon, may be used as a cost-effective interceptor against aerial threats compared to traditional air-to-air missiles.
Foreign Military Sales
The packages also include non-major defense equipment and support items.
Israel’s request covers test support equipment, technical data, spare and repair parts, training, transportation, and logistics support services.
Qatar and the UAE additionally requested LAU-131 A/A launchers, Mk-152 high-explosive warheads, MK66 rocket motors, proximity fuzes, WTU-1/B practice warheads, inert MK66 rocket motors, and related support equipment and services.
BAE Systems is the designated primary contractor for all three proposed sales.
According to the notices, the sales are intended to help Israel and Qatar address current and future threats, strengthen homeland defense, and deter regional threats.
The UAE notice similarly stated that the sale would enhance the country’s self-defense capability while improving interoperability with US forces.
Washington also determined that an emergency justified the immediate approval of the sales in support of US national security interests, allowing the deals to bypass the standard congressional review process under the Arms Export Control Act.
