The United States Air Force has released images of an F-16 fighter jet from the 20th Fighter Wing equipped with six seven-tube LAU-131/A pods, adapted for launching APKWS II missiles.
The photos were published by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
“With a top speed exceeding Mach 2, the F-16 offers exceptional range and maneuverability, making it a crucial asset for both the U.S. Air Force and allied air forces, especially when using the AGR-20F platform,” the agency stated. AGR-20 is the official U.S. military designation for the APKWS II missiles.
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Developed by BAE Systems, the APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) is a semi-active laser guidance kit adapted for the 70 mm Hydra unguided rocket. For use as an anti-air missile, it features a proximity fuse capable of triggering the warhead even if the target is not hit directly — a feature that significantly increases its effectiveness against drones and small aircraft.
In 2024, the U.S. used APKWS II missiles in combat for the first time during drone interception operations against Houthi targets. In early 2025, American F-16s were seen armed with only two LAU-131/A units. Then in May, an F-15E Strike Eagle from the 96th Test Wing was spotted with six similar launchers, totaling a capacity of up to 42 missiles per aircraft.
According to Pentagon budget documents, an AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missile costs around $420,000, while the APKWS II guidance system costs approximately $15,000 — making it a low-cost alternative for countering lower-scale threats.
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In June, the United States redirected 20,000 of these missiles, originally intended for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), to Air Force units in the Middle East. The decision was made as part of preparations for potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Although the weapons were acquired under a program specifically for Ukraine, the U.S. Secretary of Defense has the authority to redirect the equipment “in cases of urgent need,” as provided by U.S. defense legislation.
Sources: U.S. Air Force | Militarnyi. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
