The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets fill the gap between unguided rockets (which lack accuracy) and large precision munitions (which are not an affordable solution against soft or smaller targets), and are the U.S. government’s only program of record for 2.75” laser-guided rockets. APKWS guidance kits are compatible with new inventories of rocket motors, warheads, and launchers, and easily transform unguided rockets into precision munitions with little training.
The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract enables the U.S. Navy to purchase APKWS guidance kits over a five-year period, representing full-rate production lots 8-12. To meet growing demand, BAE Systems has ramped up production at its advanced manufacturing facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire and Austin, Texas and established a robust supply chain.
“Our armed forces customers are looking to apply just the right amount of force at the right location to execute their missions without unnecessary damage. APKWS rockets provide warfighters with the unique ability to precisely engage targets without excessive force, reducing the risk to nearby forces, civilians, and assets. It’s the driving force behind growing global demand.”
Marc Casseres, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems
The large value of this contract speaks to the demand for these precision munitions, which provide an economical solution for precision strikes on soft targets that reduce collateral damage. APKWS is highly accurate, with “in combat” hit rate in excess of 93%.
In U.S. Navy service, the APKWS is deployed from MH-60S and MH-60R maritime helicopters.
