AeroMorning – John Smith — October 6, 2026
The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign
Military Sale (FMS) worth up to $1.041 billion to the United Arab Emirates for
up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) guidance
sections, spanning both air-to-air and air-to-ground configurations. Announced
on October 6, 2026, this ceiling value represents the estimated maximum
potential of the proposed package rather than a signed contract.
What is APKWS II?
Manufactured by BAE Systems, specifically its U.S.
subsidiary, BAE Systems, Inc., based in Nashua, New Hampshire, APKWS II is a
laser-guidance kit installed between the MK66 rocket motor and the warhead of
existing unguided 2.75-inch (70mm) rockets. The system uses U.S.-controlled
technology and substantial U.S.-based manufacturing and supply-chain
capabilities.
Guidance Mechanism: Uses semi-active laser guidance
to steer toward laser energy reflected from the launching platform or another
laser designator.
Counter-UAS Application: For counter-drone missions,
APKWS II can be fitted with a proximity fuze associated with the warhead,
allowing the rocket to detonate when it passes close to the target rather than
requiring a direct hit.
Production Scale: BAE Systems reports that the system
has been in full-rate production for more than 12 years, with more than 100,000
guidance kits delivered.
What Does the UAE Package Include?
The notification does not specify the exact split between
air-to-air and air-to-ground configurations. The $1.041 billion ceiling
covers the kits and associated ammunition components, support and logistics:
- Up to
10,000 APKWS II guidance sections (air-to-air and air-to-ground) - Mk-152
high-explosive warheads - MK66
rocket motors, plus inert MK66 motors for training - Proximity
fuzes for counter-UAS applications - WTU-1/B
inert practice warheads for training and testing - Support,
test, launch and employment equipment - Spare
and repair parts - Technical
documentation, publications and transportation - Personnel
training and training equipment - U.S.
government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support
What is APKWS II Used For?
Positioned between unguided rockets and larger, more
expensive precision missiles, its compact 70mm format allows helicopters and
fixed-wing aircraft to carry relatively large numbers of weapons.
Air-to-Ground: Engages lightly armoured/unarmoured
vehicles and tactical targets while providing greater precision than
conventional unguided rockets.
option for engaging drones and other aerial targets.
Who Are APKWS II’s Competitors?
The 70mm laser-guided rocket and counter-UAS market features
several key alternatives:
Thales FZ275 LGR: A 70mm semi-active laser-guided
rocket primarily designed for air-to-ground use, including against light
vehicles, radar sites and air-defence installations. Thales has also developed
a specific C-UAS configuration, announced in June 2024, using a dedicated FZ123
warhead and proximity fuze to engage drones up to 3 km away and 2.5 km in
altitude.
Roketsan CİRİT: A Turkish 70mm laser-guided weapon
primarily used for air-to-surface and surface-to-surface missions. In 2026,
Roketsan introduced a dedicated CİRİT Anti-UAV variant featuring an anti-UAV
warhead and proximity fuze as a lower-cost option for engaging drones.
Lockheed Martin DAGR (Direct Attack Guided Rocket): Another
U.S.-developed 70mm semi-active laser-guided rocket, based on the same broad
concept of adding precision guidance to the 2.75-inch rocket format through a
separate U.S. programme. It has not achieved the same production scale as APKWS
II.
Other Market Systems: Include Elbit Systems’ GATR-L
and Raytheon’s TALON.
Strategic Impact
The UAE’s potential acquisition represents a major
investment in large-volume, lower-cost precision weaponry, spanning
air-to-ground and counter-UAS applications. For BAE Systems, it would further
strengthen APKWS II’s position in the expanding international market for
low-cost precision and Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) weapons.
