US Air Force named the main type of weapon against drones: What is known about the APKWS system (video)

To spread: The US Air Force in 2024 began to use 70 mm controlled missiles of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) with laser giving for the destruction of drones in the area of ​​responsibility of the Central Command in the Middle East. The APKWS II weapons system has already become a major weapon against drones in the region, said USCentcom commander Lieutenant General Derek in an interview with The War Zone.

According to him, the number of drones destroyed by these missiles exceeded 10 units, but the commander did not name the exact figure. Defense Express observers have noted that France refused to disclose the exact figures and a share in the total number of objectives intercepted, citing the sensitive nature of information. And the reason may be that the US Air Force continue to use expensive air-air missiles to fight drones.

It was noted that the use of APKWS II against drones was worked on F-16 fighters back in 2019, when rockets were used against BQM-167 drones. Later, their integration into battle aircraft was carried out within the framework of the Falco (Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanaged Aircraft Systems Ordnance), which became known in the spring of 2024. Today, APKWS II missiles are in service with F-16, F-15e Strike Eagle and A-10 Warhog ribbons.

In this case, the F-16 is capable of carrying more than 28 such rockets, and the F-15E-up to 42, turning into a full "drone fighter". Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (Apkws II) is an American guide set developed by Bae Systems to convert unmanaged 70mm Hydra 70 missiles into high-precision managed ammunition at the Air-Air and Air and Air Air-Tovry.

The principle of operation is as follows: a standard Hydra 70 rocket is inserted a semi -active laser module that provides high accuracy targets (average circular probable deviation - less than 1 meter). The system is compatible with any platforms capable of using the Hydra 70-from AH-64 Apache and AH-1Z Viper helicopters to F-16, F-15E, F/A-18, A-10 assault rifle, as well as shock UAVs.

The fighter-fugitive (WDU-4/A) is most commonly used, but the rocket can be equipped with cumulative and multi-purpose combat units. The cost of one set of APKWS II is about $ 27,500, which is much cheaper than AIM-9X air missiles (over $ 400,000) or AIM-120 AMraam (over $ 1 million). We will remind, during the neutralization of Russian UAVs, which on September 10 violated the air space of Poland, the allies raised the fighter fighter F-16 and F-35 into the sky.