The Royal Air Force has deployed a new laser-guided anti-drone weapon system in the Middle East, enhancing the capability of its Typhoon fighter jets to counter aerial threats at a significantly reduced cost.
Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) has been fitted to RAF Typhoon aircraft operating with 9 Squadron. This system converts unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions using laser targeting, allowing pilots to destroy enemy drones and other targets with high accuracy while slashing the expense compared to traditional missiles.
The deployment follows a rapid procurement and testing process that took less than two months, from initial concept to operational use. The system is now active in missions aimed at protecting British personnel, interests, and allies across the region.
Cost-Effective Counter-Drone Capability
Developing low-cost systems like APKWS is critical to addressing the growing threat posed by drones to UK forces and partner nations. By using laser guidance to steer existing unguided rockets, the RAF can engage multiple targets at a fraction of the price of firing expensive air-to-air missiles.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP praised the effort, stating: "This has been a superb effort working with industry to test and deploy this system in a matter of months, which will help the RAF shoot down many more drones at a much lower cost. Our Typhoon fleet is the backbone of UK and NATO air defence, with the RAF protecting Europe's Eastern flank from Russian drone incursions and defending our partners across the Middle East."
Operational Milestones
UK aircraft continue to operate extensively across the Middle East, with pilots and aircrew surpassing 2,500 flying hours since the regional conflict began. This equates to over three months of continuous defensive missions. Air Commodore Donal McGurk, Air 11 Group Deputy Director Operations, commented: "We welcome the speed of development and meticulous testing behind the deployment of these missile systems for use on our Typhoons. They are a valuable addition to the air defence package we are already employing with agility across the Middle East."
Recent Defence Investments
The APKWS deployment comes shortly after the Ministry of Defence signed a multi-million-pound contract to acquire Skyhammer interceptor missiles, designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones. In January, the MOD committed over £650 million to upgrade the RAF's Typhoon fleet, securing more than 1,500 jobs across the United Kingdom.
