BAE to Add Infrared Seeker to APKWS for USAF Counter-Drone Role
AI Analysis
BAE Systems has secured a $145 million contract from the US Air Force to develop an infrared-guided counter-drone system based on the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). This system will enhance the capability of US forces to counter Group 3 unmanned aerial systems in the Middle East.
Key Takeaways
- BAE Systems awarded a $145 million contract by the US Air Force.
- Development of an infrared-guided air-to-air counter-drone system based on APKWS.
- System targets Group 3 UAS threats identified by US Central Command.
- Integration planned for the US Air Force's F-16 and US Navy's MH-60 fleets.
- Contract runs from February 2026 to February 2031 with first deliveries by July 2027.
Why It Matters
This development addresses a critical need for enhanced counter-UAS capabilities in response to evolving drone threats in the Middle East. By incorporating infrared guidance, the APKWS system reduces reliance on laser designation, improving operational flexibility and effectiveness against maneuvering drone targets.
BAE to Add Infrared Seeker to APKWS for USAF Counter-Drone Role [ ![Global defense news, analysis and opinion] ]
- [Menu] ![APKWS munition fired from an aircraft] APKWS munition fired from an aircraft. Photo: BAE Systems [Air] [Americas] [Arms] [Business] [Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion]
BAE to Add Infrared Seeker to APKWS for USAF Counter-Drone Role [![Photo of Inder Singh Bisht]] [Inder Singh Bisht] February 20, 2026 2 minutes read [ Facebook ] [ X ] [ LinkedIn ] [ Reddit ] [ WhatsApp ] [ Telegram ] [ Share via Email ] [ Print ] [![]] The US Air Force has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth up to $145 million for the development, production, and delivery of an infrared-guided air-to-air counter-drone system based on the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). The dual-mode APKWS will build on the laser-guided system’s improved derivative developed under the Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance (FALCO) program. According to Naval News, the [requirement] stems from an urgent operational need identified by US Central Command in response to the growing threat posed by Group 3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) — weighing more than 55 pounds (25 kilograms) — to US forces operating in the Middle East. The weapon systems are planned to be integrated on the US Air Force’s F-16 fleet and the US Navy’s MH-60 helicopter fleet as early as this fall, Naval News reported. However, a Department of Defense contract [notice] specifies that the first delivery order is expected to be completed by July 2027, while the overall contract runs from February 12 this year through February 12, 2031.
Precision Kit
The APKWS is a low-cost precision kit that converts standard 70-millimeter (2.75-inch) unguided rockets into laser-guided munitions, enabling accurate engagement of soft or lightly armored, fixed or moving air and ground targets. In its air-to-air role, the system incorporates a proximity fuze to defeat maneuvering targets such as drones without requiring a direct hit. Under the FALCO program, the system has undergone a software upgrade to enable more capable air-to-air engagements against UAS. FALCO-configured rockets have already been [deployed] from US Air Force fixed-wing aircraft against Houthi targets over the Red Sea. ![Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets] The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), which adds a laser guidance system to unguided rockets. Image: US Marine Corps/Lance Cpl. Cody J. Ohira
Infrared-Guided APKWS
Building on this capability, the latest APKWS iteration incorporates an improved infrared counter-UAS seeker, eliminating the need for continuous laser designation by the pilot and enabling