The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $180.5 million contract to continue producing Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWSTM) laser-guided rockets to meet the growing U.S. and international demand for the systems.
APKWS rockets are seeing increasing use in theater because they deliver cost-effective precision strikes with reduced potential for collateral damage.
(APKWS laser-guided rocket bridges the gap between unguided rockets and larger expensive anti-armor munitions with precision guidance, low-cost and low collateral damage. Courtesy of BAE Systems and YouTube)
The latest order, which is funded under the recently announced indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, will help BAE Systems to meet increased demand.
“We’re delivering ahead of schedule even with the growing demand,” said Rachel Guill, director of Precision Guidance Solutions at BAE Systems.
“Our APKWS rockets are critical to the mission success of our U.S. government and allied nation customers.”
“This high-quality, reliable product is easy to use and provides accurate strike capability at a fraction of the cost of other precision munitions.”
APKWS laser-guided rockets allow militaries to leverage existing munitions and weapons systems investments with minimal effort and training.
(See in Action, courtesy of BAE Systems and YouTube)
The APKWS mid-body guidance kit transforms standard unguided Hydra 70 (2.75-inch) rockets into highly accurate precision munitions by easily screwing into place between the warhead and the motor.
The exceptional accuracy of the APKWS laser-guided rocket makes it extremely versatile to address various missions, and its modular design enables streamlined deployment on fixed- and rotary-wing platforms.
The technology is available to international customers through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Courtesy of BAE Systems
About APKWS Laser-Guided Rocket
Currently in its third year of full rate production, the APKWS rocket is the only U.S. Department of Defense fully qualified guided 2.75-inch rocket.
It uses semi-active laser guidance technology to strike both soft and lightly armored targets in confined areas, providing greater accuracy and mission effectiveness.
Developed as a highly cost-effective solution that leverages the military’s existing infrastructure and inventory – and inspired by real combat challenges, the APKWS rocket has served the needs of our U.S. armed forces with a 93 percent hit rate.
Building on in- theater success by the U.S. Marines Corps, program officials from the U.S. Navy have now made the APKWS rocket available to U.S. allies by way of foreign military sales process.
