US Approves Sale of Air-Launched Guided Rocket Systems to UK
The US State Department has approved the sale of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)-II to the UK.
London requested up to 768 APKWS-II all-up rounds, support, and spare parts for an estimated $31.2 million.
“The proposed sale will improve the United Kingdom’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring its aviation forces’ interoperability with United States and other allied forces as well as its ability to contribute to missions of mutual interest,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.
“By deploying the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, the United Kingdom would contribute to global readiness and enhance the capability for US forces operating globally alongside them.”
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System
The BAE Systems technology includes an unguided munition and laser-guidance kit.
The APKWS kit transforms unguided 2.75-inch (70-millimeter) rockets such as the Hydra 70 Mk 66 and others into precision-guided munitions.
The system can be integrated with rotary and fixed-winged platforms for close-combat precision strikes with a range of between five and 12 kilometers (3-7.4 miles).
Efforts are underway to integrate the system with unmanned aircraft and ground platforms.
