View source for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System

{{Short description|American 2.75-inch precision guided rocket}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = AGR-20 (APKWS II)
| image              = APKWS.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = 1) Top picture: standard Hydra-70
2) Bottom picture: APKWS
| origin             = United States
| type               = [[Rocket (weapon)|Rocket]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = yes
| is_explosive       = yes
| is_artillery       = 
| is_missile         = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 2012–present
| used_by            = See ''[[#Foreign users|Foreign users]]''
| wars               = <!-- Production history -->
| designer           = 
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = [[BAE Systems]]
| unit_cost          = $22,000<ref name="dcma2018">[https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/1561988/ US DoD Contracts for June 27, 2018]</ref>
| production_date    = 
| number             = 50,000<ref>[https://breakingdefense.com/2021/08/apkws-upgrade-extends-range-by-30-percent-bae/ APKWS Upgrade Extends Range By 30 Percent: BAE]. ''Breaking Defense''. 3 August 2021.</ref>
| variants           = <!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         = 
| weight             = {{convert|32|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="dtic22may10"/>
| length             = {{convert|73.8|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="dtic22may10"/>
| width              = 
| height             = 
| diameter           = {{convert|2.75|in|mm|abbr=on}} (unfired)<ref name="navairapkws"/>
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| velocity           = 
| range              = {{convert|1,100|–|5,000|m|mi|abbr=on}} (rotary wing);<br>{{convert|2|–|11|km|mi|abbr=on}} (fixed wing)<ref name="dmn9july12"/><ref name="dtic22may10"/>
| max_range          = <!-- Explosive specifications -->
| filling            = 
| filling_weight     = 
| detonation         = 
| yield              = <!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| engine             = 
| engine_power       = 
| pw_ratio           = 
| payload_capacity   = 
| fuel_capacity      = 
| speed              = {{convert|739|–|1000|m/s}}<ref name="navairapkws"/><ref>[https://newatlas.com/military/bae-systems-adapts-rocket-provide-soliders-air-support/ BAE Systems adapts rocket to provide soldiers with their own air support]. ''New Atlas''. 1 June 2020.</ref>
| guidance           = Distributed aperture semi-active [[Laser guidance|laser seeker]]; additionally passive infrared sensor (dual-mode APKWS II only)
<!-- Missiles only -->| wingspan           = 
| propellant         = 
| ceiling            = 
| altitude           = 
| depth              = 
| boost              = 
| accuracy           = 
| launch_platform    = See ''[[#Launch platforms|Launch platforms]]''
| transport          = 
}}

The '''AGR-20 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System''' ('''APKWS''') is a design conversion of [[Hydra 70]] [[unguided rocket]]s with a [[laser guidance]] kit to turn them into [[precision-guided munition]]s (PGMs).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/en-us/product/apkws-laser-guided-rocket|title=APKWS Laser-Guided Rocket}}</ref> APKWS is approximately one-third the cost and one-third the weight of the current inventory of laser-guided weapons, has a lower yield more suitable for avoiding [[collateral damage]], and takes one quarter of the time for ordnance personnel to load and unload.

==Development==
Where possible the system utilizes existing Hydra 70 components such as launchers, [[rocket motor]]s, [[warhead]]s and [[fuze]]s. The weapon bridges the gap between the Hydra 70 and [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] systems and provides a cost-effective method of engaging lightly armored point targets. APKWS is the U.S. government's only [[Program of Record]] for the semi-active, laser-guided {{convert|2.75|in|mm}} rocket.<ref name=fltglob-10-hits/>

It converts the Hydra 70 unguided rocket into a precision guided munition through the addition of a mid-body [[Guidance system|guidance unit]] developed by [[BAE Systems]]. The APKWS has also been successfully tested in live fire exercises with the [[Forges de Zeebrugge]] unguided rocket, converting it into a precision guided munition and demonstrating the technology can be used on other rocket types than the Hydra 70.<ref name=fltglob-10-hits/>

==Design==
[[File:Hydro 70 APKWS II conversion MAWTS-1 WTI 2018-03-28.webm|thumb|300px|thumbtime=34|U.S. Marines of the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 demonstrating the conversion of a Hydra 70 into a APKWS II and loading into a [[Bell AH-1Z Viper]].]]
The winning bidder for the APKWS contract was the team of BAE Systems, [[Northrop Grumman]] and [[General Dynamics]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/press_27042006.html |title=U.S. Army Selects BAE Systems for APKWS II Contract |website=[[BAE Systems]] |access-date=2011-10-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221737/http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/press_27042006.html |archive-date=2016-03-03}}</ref> beating the offerings from [[Lockheed Martin]] and [[Raytheon Systems]].<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/apkws-ii-hellfire-jr-hydra-rockets-enter-sdd-phase-02193/ APKWS II: Laser-Guided Hydra Rockets in Production At Last]</ref>

The APKWS uses the Distributed Aperture [[Semi-active laser seeker|Semi-Active Laser Seeker]] (DASALS) technology. This system allows a laser seeker to be located in the leading edge of each of the forward control [[canard (aeronautics)|canard]]s, working in unison as if they were a single seeker. This configuration allows existing warheads from the Hydra 70 system to be used without the need for a laser seeker in the missile nose.

The APKWS system is composed of the launch platform, rockets equipped with the WGU-59/B mid-body guidance unit, the lengthened 7-tube LAU-68 F/A rocket launcher, the SCS 7 aiming cue (not needed for attack helicopters), and Fastpack PA-140 and CNU-711/E storage kits for rockets and guidance kits, respectively, to ensure they are safe in the field. The WGU-59/B mid-body guidance unit is equipped with DASALS seeker optics which deploy 0.5 seconds after launch. They are attached in between the Mk 66 Mod 4 rocket motor and a warhead and fuze, which increases length by {{convert|18.5|in|cm|abbr=on}} and weight by {{convert|9|lb|kg|abbr=on}} over the legacy Hydra system.<ref name="dmn9july12"/>

The firing range is 1,100–5,000 meters; at the minimum range, the target can be struck than 5 seconds after launch.<ref name="dmn9july12">[http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/advanced-precision-kill-weapon-system-ii-apkws-ii-goes-to-war/ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) Goes to War] - Defensemedianetwork.com, 9 July 2012</ref> Maximum range is constrained by use of the existing Hydra 70 motor, but since the seeker can see as far as {{convert|14|km|mi|abbr=on}}, a more powerful motor could extend range while retaining accuracy.<ref>[http://news.usni.org/2015/04/27/bae-conducts-first-apkws-flight-test-on-aussie-helo-u-s-army-contract-expected-soon BAE Conducts First APKWS Flight Test on Aussie Helo; U.S. Army Contract Expected Soon] - News.USNI.org, 27 April 2015</ref> [[Nammo]] is working on a modified rocket motor that can extend range to {{cvt|12-15|km|abbr=on}}.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/sofex/2018/05/10/new-rocket-launcher-for-combat-vehicles-makes-middle-east-debut/ New rocket launcher for combat vehicles makes Middle East debut]. ''Defense News''. 10 May 2018.</ref>

A software upgrade of the APKWS will be applied starting in late 2021; the upgrade increases range by 30% by means of an optimized flight trajectory to engage targets at a steeper angle of attack, while also being qualified on both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft in a single variant and improving the surface danger zone logic for better training range options.<ref>[https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/august/7492-next-generation-bae-systems-apkws-guidance-kits-improve-rocket-range-and-impact.html Next-generation BAE Systems APKWS guidance kits improve rocket range and impact]. ''Air Recognition''. 3 August 2021.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=16 August 2021|title=BAE Systems enhances APKWS II range by 30%|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/bae-systems-enhances-apkws-ii-range-by-30| website=[[Jane's Information Group]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818054319/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/bae-systems-enhances-apkws-ii-range-by-30|archive-date=18 August 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2021, BAE successfully tested the APKWS in a counter-[[unmanned aerial system]]s (C-UAS) role. An APKWS-equipped rocket was fitted with a [[proximity fuze]] and destroyed a [[U.S. military UAS groups|Class 2 UAS]]. The proximity fuze enables it to intercept UAS at a lower cost than other methods, and due to the rocket's laser guidance that activates on launch it does not require locking on to the target before launch.<ref>[https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/october/7737-bae-systems-successfully-tests-apkws-laser-guided-rockets-against-uas.html BAE Systems successfully tests APKWS laser-guided rockets against UAS]. ''Air Recognition''. 12 October 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2021/10/12/article-rocket-precision-tech-demos-counter-uas-capability BAE Looks to Adapt Rocket to Counter-UAS Mission]. ''National Defense Magazine''. 12 October 2021.</ref>

In April 2025, a new dual-mode APKWS II variant with a full-scale mockup was revealed, featuring a passive infrared sensor as well as the original's laser-guidance, allowing the weapon to be fired with "anoint-and-shoot" capability (where the target is initially lased to orient the missile, but the lase is not maintained and the infrared sensor takes over for terminal guidance) to increase rate of fire, particularly against large numbers of cruise missile or unmanned aerial vehicle targets.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2025-04-09 |title=Infrared Seeker For APKWS Guided 70mm Rockets Unveiled |url=https://www.twz.com/air/infrared-seeker-for-apkws-guided-70mm-rockets-unveiled |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}</ref> The addition of the nose-mounted infrared seeker necessitated moving the warhead to the mid-body of the rocket, which provides an improved blast- fragmentation pattern with no loss of lethality; however modifications increase the cost compared to the original.<ref name=":0" /> Development is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.<ref name=":0" />

===Specifications===
* Length: {{convert|73.8|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="dtic22may10">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010armament/ThursdayLandmarkANickGreen.pdf |title=APKWS II Update |access-date=2015-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215045906/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010armament/ThursdayLandmarkANickGreen.pdf |archive-date=2016-12-15 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Diameter: 2.75 in (70 mm)<ref name="navairapkws">[https://www.navair.navy.mil/product/APKWS Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System]  - NAVAIR.Navy.mil</ref>
* Wingspan: {{convert|9.55|in|cm|abbr=on}}<ref name="navairapkws"/>
* Weight: {{convert|32|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="dtic22may10"/>
* Speed: {{convert|1,000|m/s|km/h mph Mach|abbr=on}} at max<ref name="navairapkws"/>
* Range: {{convert|1,100|-|5,000|m|mi|abbr=on}} (rotary wing); {{convert|2|-|11|km|mi|abbr=on}} (fixed wing)<ref name="dmn9july12"/><ref name="dtic22may10"/>
* Guidance: [[Semi-active laser homing]]
* [[Circular Error Probability|CEP]]: <0.5 meters<ref name="dtic22may10"/>
* Motor: Existing Hydra 70 motors
* Warhead: Existing Hydra 70 warhead

==Program status==
* 2002: APKWS development test series begins.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.deagel.com/pandora/apkws-ii_mn00188001.aspx |title=APKWS II - Deagel |access-date=2006-09-30 |archive-date=2006-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060928130129/http://deagel.com/pandora/apkws-ii_mn00188001.aspx |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* April 2005: General Dynamics APKWS program cancelled due to poor test results.<ref name="DESIG">[http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/275in-rockets.html Air-Launched 2.75-Inch Rockets - Designation Systems]</ref>
* September 2005: Successful flight test of BAE APKWS II.<ref>[http://www.na.baesystems.com/releasesDetail.cfm?a=367 BAE Systems 70mm Laser-Guided Rocket Achieves Two Direct Hits - BAE] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061015232816/http://www.na.baesystems.com/releasesDetail.cfm?a=367 |date=October 15, 2006}}</ref>
* October 2005: Competition reopened as APKWS II.<ref name="DESIG"/>
* April 2006: BAE Systems selected as prime contractor for the APKWS II program.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/04/apkws-ii-hellfire-jr-hydra-rockets-enter-sdd-phase/index.php |title=APKWS II "Hellfire Jr." Hydra Rockets Enter SDD Phase |access-date=2006-09-30 |archive-date=2006-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025012857/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/04/apkws-ii-hellfire-jr-hydra-rockets-enter-sdd-phase/index.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* February 2007: Funding for program withdrawn in proposed FY2008 budget.<ref>[http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,120100,00.html Army Proposes Major Weapons Cuts - military.com]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asafm.army.mil/budget/fybm/fy08-09/rforms/vol2.pdf |title=Descriptive Summaries For Program Elements of the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army FY 2008/2009 Budget Estimate |page=ii |accessdate=2007-02-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070624213834/http://www.asafm.army.mil/budget/fybm/fy08-09/rforms/vol2.pdf |archivedate=2007-06-24}}</ref>
<!--
* March 2007: BAE puts the program on hold pending any possible restoration of funding.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/03/guided-hydra-rockets-program-halts-new-entries/index.php Guided Hydra Rockets: Program Halts & New Entries - Defense Industry Daily]</ref>
-->
* May 2007: Successful flight test of BAE APKWS II in production-ready configuration.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_10749142322.html|title=BAE Systems Conducts Successful Test of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System |website=[[BAE Systems]]|access-date=2007-07-15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170311/http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_10749142322.html|archive-date=2016-03-03}}</ref>
* November 2008: Transfer of contract from US Army to US Navy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_108104144350.html|title=BAE Systems Precision-targeted Weapon Development Program Now Led By U.S. Navy and Marine Corps|access-date=2009-01-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201556/http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_108104144350.html|archive-date=2016-03-03}}</ref>

===Deployment===
* March 2012: APKWS II achieves [[initial operating capability]] (IOC) and is sent to Afghanistan with the [[United States Marine Corps]]. Plans are to integrate it onto the [[MQ-8 Fire Scout]].<ref name="ioc">[http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NavairNewsStory&id=4972 Marine helicopters deploy with laser-guided rocket] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003182837/http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NavairNewsStory&id=4972 |date=2012-10-03}} - NAVAIR.Navy.mil, 17 April 2012</ref>
* July 2012: BAE Systems receives full-rate production contract for APKWS from the U.S. Navy. The first FRP deliveries were in October 2012 and the company expected the next FRP option to be awarded by the end of 2012.<ref>Eshel, Tamir. [http://defense-update.com/20120813_apkws_production.html "APKWS Enters Full Rate production."] ''Defense Update'', 13 August 2012.</ref>
* September 2012: The Navy awards a contract to officially integrate the APKWS into the Fire Scout.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2012/09/18769/bae-systems-to-integrate-advanced-precision-kill-weapon-system-on-mq-8b-fire-scout-uav/ BAE Systems to Integrate Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System on MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV] - sUASNews.com, September 18, 2012</ref>
* October 2012: BAE announces its intention to modify the APKWS II to be fired from fixed-wing tactical fighter platforms.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ausa-bae-to-demonstrate-apkws-on-fixed-wing-aircraft-377943/ BAE to demonstrate APKWS on fixed-wing aircraft] - Flightglobal.com, October 23, 2012</ref>
* January 2013: Additional conversion kits ordered. No in flight failures during the 100 combat launches in Afghanistan to date.<ref>[http://www.unionleader.com/article/20130116/NEWS02/130119466/0/SPORTS21 "BAE gets more work for laser-guided missiles."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212838/http://www.unionleader.com/article/20130116/NEWS02/130119466/0/SPORTS21 |date=2016-03-03 }} - Unionleader.com, 15 January 2013</ref>
* February 2013: APKWS launched from an [[A-10 Thunderbolt II]]. Three sorties were conducted. The first sortie carried the rocket and launcher, and the second sortie fired an inert, unguided rocket to ensure the weapon would separate from the aircraft. Two armed rockets were fired during the third sortie from 10,000 and 15,000 feet. The second rocket launched into a 70 knot headwind, and both impacted within inches of the target. The Air Force is considering using the APKWS II operationally by 2015 if further testing is successful.<ref>[https://www.af.mil/News/story/id/123342831/ A-10 Fires First-Ever Laser-Guided Rocket]  - AF.mil, April 3, 2013</ref>
* March 2013: APKWS is integrated onto the [[Bell 407]]GT.<ref name="GT">[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/baes-apkws-rockets-integrated-on-bells-new-model-407gt-383032/ BAE's APKWS rockets integrated on Bell's new Model 407GT] - Flightglobal.com, March 5, 2013</ref>
* April 2013: A UH-1Y Venom fired 10 APKWS rockets at stationary and moving small boat targets, scoring 100 percent accurate hits on single and multiple targets over water. The engagement ranged from 2–4&nbsp;km using inert Mk152 high explosive and MK149 flechette warheads. The UH-1Y had the boats designated by an MH-60S.<ref>[http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsbaes-apkws-rocket-validates-strike-capability-against-maritime-targets BAE's APKWS rocket validates strike capabilities against maritime targets] - Navy-Technology.com, April 10, 2013</ref>
* October 2013: APKWS successfully fired from an [[AH-64 Apache]]. Eight rockets were fired with the helicopter flying at up to {{convert|150|knot|mph km/h|abbr=on}} and up to {{convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the target. Launch altitudes ranged from 300&nbsp;ft to 1,500&nbsp;ft. BAE wants airworthiness qualification on the Apache for international sales to AH-64 operators.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/APKWS-Laser-Guided-Rocket-Successfully-Qualified-on-US-Army-Apache-Helicopters_n000012045.aspx APKWS Laser-Guided Rocket Successfully Qualified on US Army Apache Helicopters] - Deagel.com, 22 October 2013</ref>
* March 2014: LAU-61 G/A Digital Rocket Launcher (DRL) deployed with HSC-15.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/36215/usn-adds-anti-fiac-capability-to-mh-60s-to-meet-urgent-operational-need |title=USN adds anti-FIAC capability to MH-60S to meet urgent operational need |last1=Scott |first1=Richard |date=31 March 2014 |website=www.janes.com |publisher=IHS Jane |accessdate=2 April 2014}}</ref>
* July 2014: BAE reveals that the APKWS has reached Early Operational Capability (EOC) with one squadron of [[MH-60 Seahawk|MH-60S]] helicopters. The MH-60R will be outfitted within "12-18 months."<ref>[http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/farnborough-interest-grows-apkws/ Interest grows in APKWS] - Shephardmedia.com, 17 July 2014</ref>
* August 2014: APKWS tested on [[Australian Army]] [[Eurocopter Tiger]] at [[Woomera Test Range]]. A helicopter was on the ground and fired seven rockets which successfully hit their targets. The rocket could enter Australian service by early 2015 on army Tigers and navy MH-60R helicopters.<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2014/10/14/Australia-tests-BAEs-Advanced-Precision-Kill-Weapon-System/9591413313026/ Australia tests BAE's Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System] - UPI.com, 14 October 2014</ref><ref name=fltglob-10-hits/>
* November 2014: APKWS tested on Australian Army, [[16th Aviation Brigade (Australia)|16 Aviation Brigade]], Eurocopter Tigers, this time airborne, near [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]]. Tests included using APKWS to convert a [[Forges de Zeebrugge]] (FZ) unguided rocket into a laser precision-guided weapon. All 10 rockets struck within a metre of the laser spot.<ref name=fltglob-10-hits>{{cite web |last1=Stevenson|first1=Beth |title=APKWS hits 10-for-10 in rocket tests from Australian Tiger |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/apkws-hits-10-for-10-in-rocket-tests-from-australian-411143/ |publisher=Flightglobal.com |accessdate=13 April 2015 |date=13 April 2015}}</ref>
* October 2015: US Army AH-64 Apache helicopters to field weapon in Iraq and Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.baesystems.com/en-us/article/u-s--army-acquires-apkws--laser-guided-rockets-for-immediate-deployment |title=U.S. Army Acquires APKWS™ Laser-Guided Rockets for Immediate Deployment |date=13 October 2015 |website=www.baesystems.com |publisher=BAE |accessdate=13 October 2015}}</ref>
* March 2016: First rocket variants for launch from fixed-wing aircraft shipped to Marine Corps Harriers.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/baes-apkws-rockets-go-to-war-on-av-8b-harrier-423724/ BAE's APKWS rockets go to war on AV-8B Harrier] - Flightglobal.com, 31 March 2016</ref>
* June 2016: APKWS deployed on USAF F-16 and A-10 as part of an urgent operational requirement.<ref name="bae8june16">{{cite news |url=http://www.baesystems.com/en-us/article/us-air-force-deploys-apkws-laser-guided-rockets-on-f-16s |title=U.S. Air Force Deploys APKWS Laser-Guided Rockets on F-16s |date=8 June 2016 |website=www.baesystems.com |publisher=BAE |accessdate=8 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="flightglobal9june16">[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/apkws-deployed-on-usaf-f-16-426192/ APKWS deployed on USAF F-16] - Flightglobal.com, 9 June 2016</ref>
* October 2016: Production rate increased to 5,000 a year.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bae-to-up-the-pace-on-apkws-production-430531/ |title=BAE to up the pace on APKWS production |last1=Stevenson |first1=Beth |date=19 October 2016 |website=www.flightglobal.com |publisher=RBI |accessdate=19 October 2016}}</ref>
* June 2016-January 2017: 200 APKWS used against [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] targets, including 60 during the [[Battle of Mosul (2016-17)|Battle of Mosul]].<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/02/01/us-forces-bank-new-weapon-protect-civilians-next-mosul-battle.html US Forces Bank on New Weapon to Protect Civilians in Next Mosul Battle] - Military.com, 1 February 2017</ref>
* February 2018: First operational deployment of APKWS on Marine Corps legacy F/A-18 Hornets.<ref>[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/april-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6152-usmc-navair-complete-first-f-a-18-apkws-operational-flights.html USMC & NAVAIR Complete First F/A-18 / APKWS Operational Flights]. ''Navy Recognition''. 23 April 2018.</ref>
* December 2019: US Air Force demonstrates air-to-air capability of AGR-20A to cue off [[Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod]] and intercept low-flying cruise missiles.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2047282/f-16-downs-drone-during-cruise-missile-defense-testing/|title=F-16 downs drone during cruise missile defense testing|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=December 26, 2019|work=Air Force News Service|accessdate=December 30, 2019}}</ref>

In December 2019, the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida, conducted a test using APKWS rocket against a drone representing a cruise missile. By adapting the rocket for cruise missile defense, it can serve the same role as the much more expensive [[AIM-120]] missile, according to an Air Force release. "The test was unprecedented and will shape the future of how the Air Force executes CMD," Col. Ryan Messer, commander of the 53d Wing at Eglin, said in a release. "This is a prime example of how the 53d Wing is using resources readily available to establish innovative ways that enhance combat capabilities for our combat units."<ref>https://www.airforcemag.com/f-16-downs-drone-with-rocket-for-cruise-missile-defense-test Air Force Magazine Dec 2019</ref>

In June 2020, BAE announced they had completed test firings of the APKWS from a ground launcher for the first time. Several rockets were fired from an Arnold Defense-built launcher called the Fletcher designed specifically for ground vehicles, demonstrating the weapon's ability to address a demand for standoff ground-to-ground precision munitions for small ground units.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/06/01/bae-successfully-tests-ground-launched-apkws-rockets-for-first-time/ BAE successfully tests ground-launched APKWS rockets for first time]. ''Defense News''. 1 June 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/bae_systems_completes_first_firing_tests_of_ground-launched_apkws_rockets.html BAE Systems completes first firing tests of ground-launched APKWS rockets]. ''Army Recognition''. 3 June 2020.</ref> In April 2024, the U.S. Navy ordered five Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher Systems (EAGLS) for rapid delivery in response to an urgent need to respond to UAS threats in the Middle East. EAGLS is a self-contained system consisting of a four-round APKWS launcher, a sensor turret with EO/IR cameras, and an RPS-40 radar.<ref>[https://www.twz.com/land/laser-rocket-anti-drone-systems-being-rushed-to-u-s-forces-in-the-middle-east Laser Rocket Anti-Drone Systems Being Rushed To U.S. Forces In The Middle East]. ''The War Zone''. 15 April 2024.</ref>

==Foreign users==
* {{flagicon|Jordan}} On 14 April 2014, the U.S. Navy signed an agreement with the [[Jordanian Air Force]] for the first international sale of the APKWS for use on the [[CN-235]] gunship.<ref name="defenseupdate1may14">[http://defense-update.com/20140501_jordan-equips-cn-235-gunship-apkws-2-75-guided-rockets.html Jordan Equips CN-235 Gunship with APKWS 2.75″ Guided Rockets] - Defense-Update.com, 1 May 2014</ref> Jordan received 110 units in late November 2015.<ref>[http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NAVAIRNewsStory&id=6135 Navy delivers first APKWS units to Jordan] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208141916/http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NAVAIRNewsStory&id=6135 |date=December 8, 2015}} - NAVAIR.Navy.mil, 30 November 2015</ref>
* {{flagicon|Iraq}} In November 2014, the State Department approved the sale of up to 2,000 APKWS rockets to Iraq.<ref>[http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/november-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-military-industry-/1285-iraq-orders-2000-bae-systems-advanced-precision-kill-weapon-systems-for-its-air-force.html Iraq orders 2,000 BAE Systems' Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems for its Air Force] - Airrecognition.com, 13 November 2014</ref>
* {{flagicon|Lebanon}} In June 2015, a deal to sell 6 [[A-29 Super Tucano]] light attack aircraft to the [[Lebanese Air Force]] was approved that included the sale of 2,000 APKWS rockets for use on the turboprops. The {{usd|462}} million sale was financed by Saudi Arabia.<ref>[http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2015-09-08/lebanon-getting-armed-super-tucanos-despite-instability Lebanon Getting Armed Super Tucanos Despite Instability]</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-approves-possible-462m-a-29-super-tucano-sale-to-413350/ US approves possible $462M A-29 Super Tucano sale to Lebanon] - Flightglobal.com, 10 June 2015</ref>
* {{flagicon|Mexico}} In April 2018, the U.S. State Department approved the future sale of APKWS units to the [[Mexican Navy]] at the same time that they approved the sale of eight [[MH-60R]] helicopters.<ref>https://navaltoday.com/2018/04/20 - April 2018, NavalToday</ref>
* {{flagicon|Ukraine}} Ukraine is being supplied with APKWS rockets following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>[https://eurasiantimes.com/uk-goes-for-the-kill-plans-to-equip-ukraine-with-lethal-anti-ship-missiles/ UK Goes For The Kill! Plans To Equip Ukraine With Lethal Anti-Ship Missiles To End Russian Naval Blockade]. ''Eurasian Times''. 8 April 2022.</ref><ref>[https://militarycognizance.com/2022/05/11/ukraine-received-thousands-of-apkws-ii-smart-rockets-from-the-united-states/ Ukraine to receive thousands of APKWS II smart rockets from the United States.]. ''Military Cognizance''. 11 May 2022.</ref> As part of an aid package announced by the U.S. in August 2022, the [[L3Harris Technologies|L3Harris]] Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment ({{ill|VAMPIRE (anti-UAV system)|lt=VAMPIRE|uk|VAMPIRE (система боротьби з БПЛА)}}) system was ordered to be sent to Ukraine. The system consists of a sensor ball and a four-barreled APKWS rocket launcher that can be mounted on trucks. While it can direct laser-guided rockets on ground targets, the Pentagon specified it as a counter-UAS system.<ref>[https://www.c4isrnet.com/newsletters/2022/08/25/vampire-to-transform-ukraine-pickups-into-deadly-missile-launchers/ 'Vampire' to transform Ukraine pickups into deadly missile launchers]. ''[[C4ISRNET]]''. 25 August 2022.</ref> The company said the kit could be ready for delivery by May 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=26 August 2022|title=Ukrainian forces poised to be first to operate the L3Harris VAMPIRE|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukrainian-forces-poised-to-be-first-to-operate-the-l3harris-vampire|access-date=|website=[[Janes Information Services]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904191943/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukrainian-forces-poised-to-be-first-to-operate-the-l3harris-vampire|archive-date=4 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> [[L3Harris]] was formally given a $40 million purchase order in January 2023. The award was part of a U.S. Navy prototype contract that pre-dated the war; field testing had begun in 2021 and after the system was submitted to the [[United States Department of Defense|DOD]] in April 2022, range and durability tests were conducted in the summer. 14 kits would be installed on vehicles the U.S. provided Ukraine, with four systems to be delivered by mid-2023 and 10 more by the end of the year.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/01/09/pentagon-awards-40m-vampire-contract-for-ukraines-drone-defenses/ Pentagon awards $40M 'Vampire' contract for Ukraine's drone defenses]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 9 January 2023.</ref> Videos started appearing in May 2023 of Ukrainian-operated [[Humvee|M1152 Humvees]] fitted with LGR4 four-shot launchers firing APKWS.<ref>[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/laser-rocket-firing-humvees-spotted-in-service-with-ukraine Laser Rocket Firing Humvees Spotted In Service With Ukraine]. ''The Drive/The War Zone''. 8 May 2023.</ref> In September, the Pentagon confirmed the first four VAMPIREs had arrived in Ukraine in mid-2023.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vampire-rocket-system-ukraine-weapons-b2404400.html The 'Vampire' rocket system helping Ukraine shoot down Russia's kamikaze drones]. ''[[The Independent]]''. 4 September 2023.</ref> All 14 systems were delivered by December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=6 December 2023|title=Navy to complete rapid delivery of new counter-UAS system to Ukraine|url=https://seapowermagazine.org/navy-to-complete-rapid-delivery-of-new-counter-uas-system-to-ukraine/|access-date=|website=Seapower Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208003817/https://seapowermagazine.org/navy-to-complete-rapid-delivery-of-new-counter-uas-system-to-ukraine/|archive-date=8 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=11 December 2023|title=L3Harris' VAMPIRE System Helps U.S. Navy Fill Ukraine's Counter-UAS Gap with Speed and Agility|url=https://seapowermagazine.org/l3harris-vampire-system-helps-u-s-navy-fill-ukraines-counter-uas-gap-with-speed-and-agility/|access-date=|website=Seapower Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216174512/https://seapowermagazine.org/l3harris-vampire-system-helps-u-s-navy-fill-ukraines-counter-uas-gap-with-speed-and-agility/|archive-date=16 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 January 2025, reports emerged of a boat-mounted Vampire missile equipped with APKWS successfully shooting down a Russian [[Kh-59]] cruise missile over the Black Sea.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Jan 2025 |title=Ukrainian Navy Brings Down Kh-59 Missile with Ship-Mounted VAMPIRE SAM |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/46052 |access-date=26 Jan 2025 |website=Kyiv Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0NM1uDCvb4 |title=VAMPIRE APKWS SAM System Mounted on a Boat Intercepts Cruise Missile--Cool Footage |date=2025-01-25 |last=Suchomimus |access-date=2025-01-25 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} In April 2023, the US government approved a $31.1 million deal to provide the [[United Kingdom]] with up to 768 APKWS-IIs, which will equip Apache AH-64E attack helicopters of the British Army.<ref name="UK">{{cite news |title=US approves $31.2m APKWS-II rocket sale to Britain |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/us-approves-31-2m-apkws-ii-rocket-sale-to-britain/ |access-date=1 May 2023 |work=[[UK Defence Journal]] |date=28 April 2023}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} In July 2023, the Czech Republic started taking deliveries of [[Bell AH-1Z Viper]] helicopters along with APKWS-II rockets.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://acr.army.cz/informacni-servis/zpravodajstvi/prvni-dva-vrtulniky-viper-jsou-v-cr-245318/ | title=První dva vrtulníky Viper jsou v ČR }}</ref>
*  {{flagicon|KSA}} In March 2025, the U.S. State Department approved the future sale of 2,000 APKWS units and spare sparts worth $100 million to the KSA.<ref> https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-advanced-precision-kill-weapon-systems</ref>

==Launch platforms==
[[File:MH-60S from HSC 7 firing APKWS II during live fire qualification exercise 2015-08-18.jpg|thumb|APGWS II launched from [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|SH-60S/MH-60S Seahawk]]]]
* Current rotary wing:<ref name="ioc"/><ref name="GT"/>
** [[UH-1Y Venom]]<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Trimble |first1=Stephen |title=BAE guided rocket clears tests with US Marine Corps UH-1Y helicopter |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/bae-guided-rocket-clears-tests-with-us-marine-corps-uh-1y-helicopter/102923.article |date=10 November 2011 |access-date=1 February 2025 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref>
** [[AH-1W SuperCobra]]
** [[AH-1Z Viper]]
** [[Bell 407]]GT
** [[AH-64 Apache]]<ref>[http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2014-05-08/bae-raytheon-advance-laser-rocket-business BAE, Raytheon Advance Laser Rocket Business] - Ainonline.com, 8 May 2014</ref>
** [[Eurocopter Tiger]]<ref name=fltglob-10-hits/>
** [[MV-22 Osprey]]<ref>[http://aviationweek.com/defense/osprey-fires-guided-rockets-and-missiles-new-trials Osprey Fires Guided Rockets And Missiles In New Trials] - Aviationweek.com, 8 December 2014</ref><ref>[https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/l3wescamdemonstratesmx15donbellboeingv22osprey/ Vertical Mag]</ref>
** [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|MH-60S/R Seahawk]]<ref>[http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NAVAIRNewsStory&id=5873 Navy outfitting more Seahawks with digital rocket launchers] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904124722/http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NAVAIRNewsStory&id=5873 |date=September 4, 2016}} - NAVAIR.Navy.mil, 7 April 2015</ref>
* Current fixed-wing
** [[A-29 Super Tucano]]<ref>http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/lebanon-29-super-tucano-aircraft Lebanon – A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft] - Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 9 June 2015</ref>
** [[AV-8B Harrier II]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=USMC Fields APKWS II Laser-Guided Rockets with its AV-8B Harriers Aircraft |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2016/april-2016-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/3802-usmc-fields-apkws-ii-laser-guided-rockets-with-its-av-8b-harriers-aircraft.html |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=Navy Recognition |date=5 April 2016 |language=en-gb}}</ref>
** [[OV-10 Bronco]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogoway |first=Tyler |title=Those Old OV-10 Broncos Sent To Fight ISIS Were Laser Rocket-Slinging Manhunters |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3519/those-old-ov-10-broncos-sent-to-fight-isis-were-laser-rocket-slinging-manhunters |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=The Drive |date=18 May 2016 |language=en}}</ref>
** [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=F-16 downs target drone with laser guided rocket in unprecedented test |url=https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article/2046511/f-16-downs-target-drone-with-laser-guided-rocket-in-unprecedented-test/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=Air Combat Command |date=23 December 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref>
** [[F/A-18 Hornet]]<ref>[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/april-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6152-usmc-navair-complete-first-f-a-18-apkws-operational-flights.html USMC & NAVAIR Complete First F/A-18 / APKWS Operational Flights]. ''Navy Recognition''. 23 April 2018.</ref>
** [[A-10 Thunderbolt II]]<ref name="bae8june16"/>
** [[L3Harris OA-1K Skyraider II]]<ref>[https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2023/4/27/socoms-new-recon-aircraft-to-pack-big-punch]</ref>
** [[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E Strike Eagle]] <ref>{{Cite web |last=Cenciotti |first=David |date=2025-05-30 |title=CENTCOM Releases Photo of F-15E with Counter-UAV Loadout in the Middle East |url=https://theaviationist.com/2025/05/30/centcom-releases-photo-of-f-15e-carrying-counter-uav-loadout-in-the-middle-east/ |access-date=2025-06-15 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Planned rotary wing<ref name="GT"/>
** [[OH-58 Kiowa]] (company funded)
** [[AH-6 Little Bird|AH-6i]]<ref name="flightglobal9june16"/><ref>[https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-confirms-ah-6i-sale-to-thailand Janes]</ref><ref>[https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairw/20200303.aspx Strategy Page]</ref>
* Planned fixed-wing<ref name="GT"/>
** [[CN-235]]<ref name="defenseupdate1may14"/>
* Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE)<ref>{{cite web |title=L3Harris Receives VAMPIRE Contract for Ukrainian Security Defense Efforts |url=https://www.l3harris.com/newsroom/press-release/2023/01/l3harris-receives-vampire-contract-ukrainian-security-defense |website=l3harris.com |publisher=L3Harris |access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref>
** A portable kit that can be installed on most vehicles with a cargo bed for the launching of the APKWS II laser-guided rockets or other laser-guided munitions.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Emma Helfrich |author2=Tyler Rogoway |title=What The VAMPIRE Weapon System The U.S. Is Sending To Ukraine Can Actually Do |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/what-the-vampire-weapon-system-the-u-s-is-sending-to-ukraine-can-actually-do |website=The Drive |date=26 August 2022 |access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
* {{Flag decoration|United Kingdom}} [[Martlet (missile)|Martlet]] (LMM) — British lightweight multirole missile
* {{Flag decoration|Turkey}} [[Roketsan Cirit]] — Turkish laser-guided 70mm missile system
* {{Flag decoration|Israel}} [[Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket]] (GATR)
* {{Flag decoration|South Korea}} [[Low-Cost Guided Imaging Rocket]] (LOGIR) — South Korean Hydra 70 conversion kit for surface-to-ship role
* {{Flag decoration|United States}} [[Direct Attack Guided Rocket]] (DAGR) — system under development to provide plug-and-play compatibility with Hellfire launchers
* {{Flag decoration|Russia}} [[Ugroza]] — Russian laser-guidance conversion kit for unguided bombs

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.baesystems.com/product/BAES_027112/advanced-precision-kill-weapon-system-apkws?_afrLoop=34182645149000&_afrWindowMode=0&_afrWindowId=w0g954apw_1 APKWS - BAE]
* [http://www.baesystems.com/product/BAES_019576/distributed-aperture-semi-active-dasals Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker (DASALS) - BAE Systems]
* [http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/04/hydra70-rockets-from-cutbacks-to-the-future-of-warfare/index.php Hydra-70 Rockets: From Cutbacks to the Future of Warfare - Defense Industry Daily] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517100341/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/04/hydra70-rockets-from-cutbacks-to-the-future-of-warfare/index.php |date=2008-05-17 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110723064616/http://defense-update.com/products/a/apkws-gd.htm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System - Defense Update]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110709010314/http://defense-update.com/wp/20110214_apkws2.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DefenseUpdate+%28Defense+Update%29 Laser Guided APKWS II Rockets for USMC Harrier, Air Combat Command's Warthog - Defense-Update]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/apkws.htm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) - Global Security]
* {{YouTube|qqj5fNBBqnA|BAE Systems' video of APKWS}}

{{US military rockets}}

[[Category:Air-to-surface missiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2010s]]