The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force has begun using the APKWS system on Typhoon fighter jets during anti-drone operations in the Middle East.
The integration of the weapon system was completed in record time, with the transition from testing to operational use taking place in less than two months.
The APKWS converts conventional rockets into laser-guided munitions, enabling more precise strikes against drones and other aerial threats at significantly lower costs than traditional missiles.
The accelerated development was carried out by the British Ministry of Defence in partnership with BAE Systems and QinetiQ.
The first tests took place in March, when the system successfully struck a ground target. In April, pilots from the RAF’s 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron carried out successful air-to-air firings using the Typhoon jets. Currently, aircraft from 9 Squadron are already using the new weapon system in ongoing defensive missions in the region.
British officials highlighted that the rapid deployment demonstrates the efficiency of cooperation between the government and the defense industry. Representatives from BAE Systems and QinetiQ stated that the new capability increases the Typhoon’s versatility and strengthens the air defense of the United Kingdom and NATO amid the growing threat posed by drones.
Unguided rocket + laser = low cost drone killer 💥
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) will be fitted to @royalairforce Typhoon fighter jets this May. The APKWS can destroy targets precisely and at a fraction of the price of missiles currently used. pic.twitter.com/UPNqpIvUgC
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) May 18, 2026
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Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @GarethJennings3 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
