Pentagon Signs Deal for Up to 25,000 APKWS Guidance Kits Annually
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed a framework agreement with BAE Systems to purchase up to 25,000 APKWS guidance kits annually for seven years.
The Pentagon announced the agreement on its official website.
Under the agreement, annual production could increase to 35,000 kits to meet demand from U.S.allies. However, this expansion will depend on foreign orders.
The deal still requires approval and funding from the U.S. Congress.
The total value of the planned purchases has not been disclosed. BAE Systems and the Pentagon should still negotiate a multi-year procurement contract.
APKWS
APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) is a laser-guidance kit that converts standard unguided 70 mm Hydra70 rockets into precision-guided munitions.
The system uses semi-active laser guidance and can engage both ground and aerial targets, including drones.
In Ukraine, these rockets are used as part of VAMPIRE mobile air defense systems, whose deployment was first reported by Militarnyi in 2023.
The system includes an electro-optical detection and targeting system and a launcher that can fire four guided rockets.
In December 2025, APKWS II rockets were also spotted on a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet, mounted in seven-shot launch pods alongside a targeting pod believed to be the Sniper XP.
This armament lets the fighter intercept drones without expending more expensive air-to-air missiles.
Militarnyi previously reported that BAE Systems had manufactured its 100,000th APKWS guidance kit. Production takes place at the company’s facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas.
