Typhoon test fires game-changing low-cost weapon to counter UAS theats - EDR Magazine
AI Analysis
BAE Systems has successfully tested a low-cost precision weapon, the APKWS® laser-guidance kit, on a Eurofighter Typhoon to counter UAS threats. This trial marks a significant step in integrating affordable interception solutions into the Typhoon's arsenal.
Key Takeaways
- BAE Systems conducted a successful test firing of the APKWS laser-guidance kit from a Eurofighter Typhoon.
- The weapon is designed to provide a cost-effective solution to counter UAS threats.
- The trial was conducted at BAE's flight test development centre in Warton, Lancashire.
- The APKWS kit is already used on various platforms, including the F-16 and A-10.
- This development is part of broader capability enhancements planned for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Why It Matters
The integration of the APKWS laser-guidance kit into the Eurofighter Typhoon enhances its capability to counter UAS threats cost-effectively, addressing a growing need for affordable air defense solutions. This advancement strengthens the Typhoon's position as a versatile combat aircraft and supports the UK's defense capabilities against evolving aerial threats.
Typhoon test fires game-changing low-cost weapon to counter UAS theats - EDR Magazine
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BAE Systems has successfully completed test firing of a low-cost precision weapon launched from a Eurofighter Typhoon, demonstrating a highly effective, affordable solution to counter uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
The APKWS® laser-guidance kit is a combat-proven, multi-mission solution manufactured by BAE Systems in the US. It is designed to counter a range of threats while enabling cost-effective operations and is already deployed with armed forces around the world.
The Company conducted the trial from its flight test development centre in Warton, Lancashire using a Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft to launch a successful strike on a ground-based target at a UK military testing range.
Richard Hamilton, Managing Director of Air Operations at BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “As the UK’s sovereign provider of combat air capability, we play a crucial role in supporting the UK armed forces — working closely with the Ministry of Defence to develop technologies that strengthen our national defence capabilities.
“This trial with the APKWS laser-guidance kit on Typhoon demonstrates a game-changing capability and a cost-effective solution that would enhance Typhoon’s already impressive range of weapons capabilities.”
This activity, supported by RAF, will provide valuable insights into how a low-cost precision weapon could be integrated in the aircraft, particularly counter UAS weapons, where affordable interception options are needed. It also forms part of a range of capability enhancements planned for Typhoon to increase the aircraft’s potency in current and future combat air operations.
The Eurofighter Typhoon carries a wide range of advanced air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, making it the combat aircraft of choice of air forces across Europe and the Middle East. This includes Meteor long‑range air‑to‑air missiles, Storm Shadow and Brimstone air‑to‑surface weapons for deep‑strike and precision attack roles.
The APKWS laser-guidance kit enables air-to-surface and air-to-air strikes. Air forces are successfully operating it in combat on the F-16, A-10 and several other fixed-wing platforms, as well as a number of rotary-wing platforms.
The recent trial on Typhoon paves the way for the next stage of tests on air-to-air targets.
photo courtesy BAE Systems
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