UK Deploys New Low-Cost Anti-Drone System in the Middle East | ASDNews
AI Analysis
The UK has rapidly deployed the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) onto RAF Typhoon fighter jets operating in the Middle East to counter the increasing drone threat. This system converts unguided missiles into precision-guided munitions using a laser targeting system, offering a lower-cost alternative to traditional missile engagements. Deployment occurred within two months of successful testing, with 9 Squadron currently utilizing the system on operational sorties.
Key Takeaways
- The APKWS utilizes a laser guidance system to convert unguided missiles into precision weapons.
- Deployment to the Middle East followed rapid procurement and testing (less than 2 months).
- 9 Squadron RAF Typhoons are currently operating with the APKWS.
- The system is intended to provide a more cost-effective means of countering drones and other threats.
- BAE Systems and QinetiQ were key industry partners in the development and deployment of APKWS.
Why It Matters
This deployment highlights the UK’s focus on rapidly fielding counter-drone capabilities in response to the proliferation of drone technology. The APKWS offers a scalable and affordable solution for engaging a wide range of aerial threats, potentially increasing the RAF’s engagement capacity and reducing the cost per kill. This rapid deployment model demonstrates a streamlined acquisition process, potentially applicable to other urgent defense needs.
UK Deploys New Low-Cost Anti-Drone System in the Middle East | ASDNews
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UK Deploys New Low-Cost Anti-Drone System in the Middle East
Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) ©
British citizens and regional partners will be better protected against drone attacks as the Royal Air Force deploys a new low-cost anti-drone weapon on operations in the Middle East.
The new Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) will be fitted to RAF Typhoon fighter jets so that they can destroy targets precisely and at a fraction of the price of missiles currently used.
Rapid procurement and testing work by the Ministry of Defence and industry partners BAE Systems and QinetiQ has enabled the system to move from testing to deployment on operations in less than two months.
March saw a successful test strike on a ground-based target, and RAF Typhoon pilots from 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron conducted successful air-to-air firing in April, demonstrating the system’s ability to defend against drone attacks.
The system has now been deployed on operations in the Middle East with sorties flown by 9 Squadron RAF Typhoon fighter jets as part of the missions to defend British people, interests and partners from threats.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: "This has been a superb effort working with industry to test and deploy this system in a matter of months, which will help the RAF shoot down many more drones at a much lower cost."
"Our Typhoon fleet is the backbone of UK and NATO air defence, with the RAF protecting European’s Eastern flank from Russian drone incursions and defending our partners across the Middle East."
The APKWS uses a laser targeting system which turns unguided missiles into low-cost precision weapons able to take down enemy drones and other threats. Developing low-cost systems provides a more effective and sustainable means of countering the increasing threat of drones to UK forces and partners.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director BAE Systems Air sector, said: " Our priority is to ensure the Royal Air Force and its allies have the advanced technologies they need today and into the future, to keep them ahead of evolving threats. This capability demonstrates Typhoon’s exceptional versatility and underlines its continued role as the backbone of combat air across Europe and the Middle East."
Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer, QinetiQ, said: "From engineering expertise to live trials, our teams are providing the fundamental support needed by our armed forces, to deliver the urgent capabilities that ensure the UK and its allies remain safe and warfighting ready."
UK aircraft continue to operate across the Middle East and are ready to defend British people, interest and partners from threats. Pilots and aircrew have surpassed 2,500 flying hours since the conflict in the region began, equivalent to over three months of continuous flying on defensive missions.
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