The new dual-mode APKWS guidance kit will allow for faster fire rates and a pseudo fire-and-forget capability, giving rotary and fixed wing platforms a deep, affordable magazine of interceptors for the counter-UAS and cruise missile defense missions.
BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill (APK) guidance kit for the Hydra 70 unguided rocket is getting an evolutionary iteration as the company works towards defeating the interceptor-to-threat cost ratio and UAS threat. Naval News had the opportunity to discuss the new dual-mode APKWS rocket with Dave Smialek, Director of Business Development in Precision Guidance & Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems, during the Sea Air Space 2025 conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
The next generation APK guidance kit adds an infrared seeker to the nose of the rocket for dual mode seeker capability. It builds on the capabilities delivered by the FALCO upgrade program which was delivered to combat aircraft in the Middle East to drastically improve counter-UAS capabilities.
“When you switch to air-to-air, it’s the same interceptor, except now when you shoot, atmospheric effects come into play.”
Dave Smialek, Director of Business Development in Precision Guidance & Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems
FALCO-upgraded APKWS rockets were used in the shootdown of a Houthi UAS in March 2025. Naval News understands that FALCO software upgrades were delivered as part of operational requirements needed to increase lethality in air-to-air engagements. Those rockets are actively being used in the Red Sea with a high probability of kill.
Naval News understands that the delivered FALCO program, or the Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance program, sought to deliver a more capable air-to-air APKWS rocket to warfighters for an emerging operational need. The software upgrade was rolled out seamlessly and enabled a significant improvement in capability against UAS targets.
FALCO is a dedicated counter-UAS program in the U.S. Air Force. It is not immediately clear if articles have been delivered to the U.S. Navy or international customers, though a sale of FALCO APKWS rockets was approved to Saudi Arabia in March.
The next-generation APKWS will build on those delivered FALCO capabilities while adding an improved counter-UAS infrared seeker. The new rocket will allow pilots to shoot interceptors at a quicker pace, dropping the need for constant lasing on the target. According to Smialek, a pilot will be able to laser designate the target, fire the rocket, and move to the next target without holding the laser on a single target. The infrared seeker will take over after launch to provide in flight guidance.
“The next generation APKWS is dual mode. An infrared seeker and laser guidance kit with a mid-body warhead. The dual mode gives the ability to increase the rate of fire without holding the designation on the target. Lase, APWKS heads towards the target, and you can go to pseudo-fire and forget [with IR]. Lase, fire, next target, lase fire.”
Dave Smialek, Director of Business Development in Precision Guidance & Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems
The new APK kit has already entered preliminary testing, funded by the U.S. Air Force. BAE plans on continuing development of the new guidance kit because of its demonstrated performance jump compared to its predecessor, APKWS II.
APKWS is integrated with over 45 platforms including the U.S. Navy’s MH-60S/R Seahawk and U.S. Marine Corps’ UH-1, AH-1, and MV-22 rotary wing platforms. The integration of infrared guided APKWS rockets would allow rotary wing platforms to serve in fleet defense or expeditionary air defense roles while still performing mission sets like anti-submarine warfare or troop transport.
Author’s note: This story was modified to adhere to confidentiality concerns.
