The Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet may soon field a low-cost weapon to neutralize drone threats, with feasibility studies by BAE Systems underway.
Speaking at the DSEI defense exhibit in London, BAE Typhoon Strategy Lead Paul Smith said the team is exploring the potential integration of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II laser-guided rockets onto the aircraft as a counter-drone option.
He described APKWS as a “low-cost kinetic effector” that could complement the Typhoon’s advanced air-to-air missiles and is among several options under review.
Smith added that BAE is consulting Typhoon operators on integration risks and priorities, while also advancing the jet’s ECRS Mk2 radar upgrade, which will add advanced electronic warfare and attack functions.
This development comes amid heightened tensions among NATO members following Poland’s shooting down of suspected Russian drones violating its airspace.
It also reflects a broader trend of adapting cost-efficient countermeasures against inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles, typically deployed in swarms, to overwhelm traditional air defense systems.
Earlier this year, the US Air Force equipped its F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft with APKWS II rockets, following a similar effort on its F-16 Fighting Falcons in 2024.
Costing as little as $20,000 per rocket compared to hundreds of thousands for traditional missiles, the modified versions have proven effective in combat, particularly in the Middle East.
Eurofighter Typhoon
Made by a consortium including Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a 4.5-generation air superiority fighter with multi-role capabilities, including strike and reconnaissance.
It can achieve a top speed of Mach 2, a service ceiling above 50,000 feet (15,240 meters), and a combat radius of around 1,800 to 2,900 kilometers (1,118 to 1,802 miles), depending on configuration.
The Typhoon can carry both European and US-made weapons. These include Meteor and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, as well as Stormshadow and GBU-48 air-to-ground munitions.
It has actively participated in NATO Baltic Air Policing missions, including having intercepted a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M surveillance aircraft in May.
