Russian drones will not like it. What is known about the new experimental weapon for the Armed Forces with the US

Along with ammunition, missiles and other help, Ukraine will transfer 10 C-UAS mobile missile systems with a laser pointing system. They will be able to knock down Iranian drones-Kamikadze Shahd-131/136 and others with a high likelihood of hitting the target. One of the main problems with Kamikadze drone is the disorder in the cost of the product and the missile for interception. One Shahd-136 costs about $ 20,000, and an anti-aircraft missile can cost up to $ 500,000.

However, they need to be intercepted, because 20,000 drones can bring multimillion-dollar losses if goals reach. Probably, the state contractor SAIC will send 10 platforms to Ukraine as part of the experimental platform. In January 2023, the Pentagon held a competition to find a system to combat Drone-Kamikadze Shahd-136. Among the participants was Saic. Defense One reported that they could really send 10 platforms to Ukraine.

Among the main requirements made by the US Army are the ability to destroy drones weighing more than 25 kg. The complex is based on the APKWS system. The tests showed the ability to intercept UAV with 100% accuracy. The target is laser. It is also important to note that the cost of the rocket does not exceed $ 30,000, so it is a cheap and effective option for intercepting the same in the cost of drones-Kamikadze Shahd-136.

In addition to APKWS, the C-UAS complex has a machine gun installation of M240 and a radio-electronic fight system that can intercept a small commercial drone, including any DJI. Saic representative said their system had found a drone over 11 km away and destroyed 4 km away. Also, the requirements of the US Army were that the manufacturer would be ready to transfer weapons to the Allies within 30-90 days after signing the contract in the event of a competition.

About the same amount of time took place since the competition in January to the announcement of Ukraine in April. Apwks is the development of BAE Systems, L3Harris and Northrop Grumman. The idea is to transform the unmanaged Hydra 70 missiles into controlled using a semi -active guidance system. The developers deliberately selected the option with an existing missile to significantly reduce the cost of development. Earlier, Germany has already transferred 20 such complexes to Ukraine.

APWKS rocket firing range is 5 km, but the system has a potential to increase range to 14 km. To do this, you need to install a more powerful engine in the system. It is worth noting that the Pentagon did not call specific models of 10 complexes C-UAS. Therefore, in addition to SIAC, there is also the development of Northrop Grumman Armamment Systems-M-AESE and FAAD. M-AESE is a complex with radar, sensors and fire control system with a 30mm Bushmaster M230LF gun.

It is capable of detecting and destroying drones in long distances thanks to a powerful gun. One M-CE machine is able to completely close the cycle from detecting to destruction of the target: to identify, track, identify and dispose of the object. FAAD C2 or C-RAM 2 is also the development of Northrop Grumman, which creates a whole complex to control the situation on the battlefield and airspace.