U.S. forces are using a cost-effective weapon to counter Iranian drones. It is called the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, or APKWS. The system adds laser guidance to a rocket first used during the Korean War. This upgrade turns a basic unguided weapon into a precise munition.
The APKWS kit attaches to standard 2.75-inch rockets. It gives those rockets the ability to lock onto laser-illuminated targets. Pilots can use the system to strike drones with great accuracy from miles away. Each guided rocket costs roughly $22,000 to produce.
This price point makes the weapon attractive for military planners. More expensive missiles, like the AIM-9 Sidewinder, often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Using the APKWS allows the Pentagon to engage cheap drones without breaking the budget. The system also works well against smaller, slower-moving threats.
The guidance kit was developed by BAE Systems. It has been in service with the U.S. military for over a decade. The weapon is primarily deployed on attack helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. These platforms can carry dozens of rockets, giving pilots sustained firepower.
Recent conflicts in the Middle East have driven demand for the system. Iranian-made drones have become common in the region. The APKWS has proven effective against those unmanned aircraft in combat. It offers a low-cost solution for a persistent aerial threat.
The technology represents a significant upgrade for an aging weapon. The basic Hydra 70 rocket entered service during the 1950s. Adding laser guidance did not require building a new munition from scratch. It simply modernized existing stockpiles.
The system is also easier to integrate than larger missiles. It does not need special launchers or extensive pilot retraining. This simplicity allows rapid deployment to units in the field. The U.S. military continues to purchase additional kits to meet operational needs.
