Belgian F-16 Tests FZ275 Laser-Guided Rockets Against Drones
A Belgian Air Force (BAF) F-16AM fighter jet has fired FZ275 laser-guided rockets (LGRs) to test their counter-drone capabilities.
Inert rockets were used to take down medium-sized drones, according to video footage published by Belgian Defence on X.
The trials at Lombardsijde in northwestern Belgium were conducted in collaboration with the land component, navy, and Thales Belgium.
Though the exact date of the trial was not disclosed, reports of the BAF testing anti-drone rockets have circulated since early 2026.
A BAF F-16 also tested BAE Systems’ AGR-20F FALCO (Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance) against attack drones, The Aviationist reported in March.
Anti-Drone Rockets
Developed by Thales, the FZ275 70 mm (2.75-inch) LGR can neutralize uncrewed aerial targets at short to medium ranges.
In October 2025, Thales Belgium introduced a specialized, high-lethality airburst FZ123 warhead designed for the FZ275 rocket to destroy drone threats. It is reportedly already in use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russian drones.
The FZ275 uses semi-active laser guidance, is compatible with existing launchers, and supports European defense-industrial sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the US-made AGR-20F FALCO is a dedicated air-to-air evolution of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II).
Like the FZ275, the APKWS-II also has a semi-active laser seeker. It converts unguided 70 mm rockets into LGRs capable of precision strikes against light armored vehicles, personnel, and drones with minimal collateral damage.
Several air forces and defense companies have been exploring their integration with aerial platforms, including the Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, the US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, and Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen.
Source: The Defence Post
