Belgian F-16 Tests FZ275 Laser-Guided Rockets Against Drones
AI Analysis
The Belgian Air Force successfully tested both Thales' FZ275 laser-guided rockets and BAE Systems' AGR-20F FALCO against drones using F-16 fighter jets. These trials demonstrate a move towards employing existing aircraft and munitions for counter-UAS missions, utilizing semi-active laser guidance. The FZ275, with its new FZ123 warhead, is already reportedly in use in Ukraine.
Key Takeaways
- Belgian F-16AM fired inert FZ275 70mm laser-guided rockets at medium-sized drones during trials at Lombardsijde.
- The FZ275 is a Thales-developed LGR designed for short to medium-range counter-drone operations, supporting European defense industrial base.
- Thales' FZ123 airburst warhead for the FZ275 is reportedly deployed by Ukrainian forces against Russian drones.
- BAE Systems’ AGR-20F FALCO (APKWS-II derivative) was also tested by the BAF F-16 against attack drones.
- Multiple air forces (RAF, USAF, Saab) are exploring integration of both FZ275 and AGR-20F with their platforms.
Why It Matters
This testing highlights a practical and cost-effective approach to counter-UAS defense by adapting existing weaponry. The deployment of the FZ123 warhead in Ukraine demonstrates a real-world application and validates its effectiveness. The adoption of these systems by multiple nations signals a growing concern over drone threats and a shift towards integrated air defense solutions.
Belgian F-16 Tests FZ275 Laser-Guided Rockets Against Drones
Belgian Air Force F-16 testing FZ275 rockets in counter-drone test. Photo: Belgian Defence
A Belgian Air Force (BAF) F-16AM fighter jet has fired FZ275 laser-guided rockets (LGRs) to test their counter-drone capabilities.
Inert rockets were used to take down medium-sized drones, according to video footage published by Belgian Defence on X.
The trials at Lombardsijde in northwestern Belgium were conducted in collaboration with the land component, navy, and Thales Belgium.
Though the exact date of the trial was not disclosed, reports of the BAF testing anti-drone rockets have circulated since early 2026.
A BAF F-16 also tested BAE Systems’ AGR-20F FALCO (Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance) against attack drones, The Aviationist reported in March.
De Luchtmacht testte in Lombardsijde een capaciteit tegen middelgrote aanvalsdrones. In samenwerking met de Landmacht, de Marine en Thales Belgium: FZ275‑raketten van 70 mm zonder lading op#F16, als efficiënte en betaalbare oplossing tegen de UAS‑dreiging pic.twitter.com/So7Afwy3XK
— Belgian Defence (@BelgiumDefence) April 30, 2026
Anti-Drone Rockets
Developed by Thales, the FZ275 70 mm (2.75-inch) LGR can neutralize uncrewed aerial targets at short to medium ranges.
In October 2025, Thales Belgium introduced a specialized, high-lethality airburst FZ123 warhead designed for the FZ275 rocket to destroy drone threats. It is reportedly already in use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russian drones.
The FZ275 uses semi-active laser guidance, is compatible with existing launchers, and supports European defense-industrial sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the US-made AGR-20F FALCO is a dedicated air-to-air evolution of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II).
Like the FZ275, the APKWS-II also has a semi-active laser seeker. It converts unguided 70 mm rockets into LGRs capable of precision strikes against light armored vehicles, personnel, and drones with minimal collateral damage.
Several air forces and defense companies have been exploring their integration with aerial platforms, including the Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, the US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, and Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen.
Tags