APKWS II is a low-cost, semi-active laser-guidance system sized to fit the 2.75-in aerial rocket.
It is optimized for precision, low-collateral damage strike against moving or stationary light vehicle and personal targets. APKWS can be fitted with HE or penetrating warheads as well as visual and IR illuminating, or white phosphorous rounds for target marking by forward air control aircraft.
USAF acquired the system as an urgent operational requirement, and an F-16 employed it in combat for the first time in June 2016.
The weapon employs a mid-body guidance package to convert the standard rocket into a guided weapon.
APKWS was already in service with the three other services, and initial weapons were procured from Navy stocks. The rockets are launched from multi-round, reusable pods.
BAE introduced a block upgrade capable of increasing APKWS’ range by as much as 30 percent in 2021. The weapons have proved adaptable to new missions and an A-10 tested it against advanced reactive armor in 2022.
An F-16 successfully destroyed an airborne target using APKWS during an anti-cruise missile demo and further counter-UAS development led to the AGR-20 FALCO (Fixed Wing, Air-Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance). Addition of an IR seeker permits fire-and-forget capability against airborne targets, easing pilot workload in the anti-missile/ counter-UAS role. The enhanced weapons have been extensively used downing Houthi missiles and drones targeting shipping in the Red Sea
and Iranian weapons fired against Israel in October 2023.
USAF fulfilled its inventory requirement last year and requested no FY25 funds.
APKWS Technical Data
Contractor: BAE Systems.
First Flight: May 2013 (USAF).
Delivered: October 2012-present.
IOC: N/A.
Active Variant: •AGR-20A. Semi-active, laser-guided 2.75-in rocket, adapted for fixed-wing use.
Dimensions: Span 9.5 in, length 6.25 ft, diameter 2.75 in.
Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket motor.
Performance: Subsonic, range 1.2 to 6.8 miles.
Guidance: Semi-active laser.
Warhead: HE, white phosphorous, or illuminating round.
Integration: AT-6, A-10, A-29, F-16.
