Royal Air Force fields APKWS guided rockets on Typhoon fighters for low cost counter-drone missions
AI Analysis
The UK RAF has rapidly deployed APKWS guided rockets on Typhoon fighters in the Middle East to provide a lower-cost counter-drone capability. The system, developed in under two months with BAE Systems and QinetiQ, has already seen operational use, including successful air-to-air engagements. This deployment addresses the increasing threat of drones against UK forces and regional partners.
Key Takeaways
- The UK RAF is utilizing APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) rockets on Typhoon fighter jets for counter-drone missions.
- APKWS converts unguided 70mm rockets into precision-guided munitions using a laser targeting system.
- Deployment occurred rapidly (under two months) through collaboration between the MoD, BAE Systems, and QinetiQ.
- 9 Squadron RAF Typhoons based at RAF Akrotiri (Cyprus) are currently operating with the new capability.
- The APKWS deployment is intended to provide a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to countering the growing drone threat, complementing existing missile systems (Meteor, ASRAAM).
Why It Matters
This deployment signals a shift towards more affordable and scalable counter-drone solutions, recognizing the economic unsustainability of solely relying on expensive missile systems. The rapid fielding of APKWS demonstrates the UK's ability to quickly adapt to evolving threats and leverage existing platforms for new mission sets. This approach could be adopted by other nations facing similar drone challenges.
Royal Air Force fields APKWS guided rockets on Typhoon fighters for low cost counter-drone missions
Royal Air Force fields APKWS guided rockets on Typhoon fighters for low cost counter-drone missions
By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)
Air| May 17, 2026
Photo: UK Ministry of Defence.
The UK Ministry of Defence has deployed Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets on Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets operating in the Middle East to provide a lower-cost option for countering drone threats. The system is intended to allow RAF aircraft to engage targets precisely at a fraction of the cost of the missiles currently used for similar missions.
The weapon has been fitted to Typhoon aircraft as part of efforts to protect British citizens, interests and regional partners from threats in the Middle East. The system has now entered operations with sorties flown by 9 Squadron RAF Typhoon fighters.
The Ministry of Defence said it worked with BAE Systems and QinetiQ to move the capability from testing to operational deployment in less than two months. A successful strike against a ground-based target took place in March, followed by successful air-to-air firing by RAF Typhoon pilots from 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron in April.
From trial to operations in under two months. Working in partnership with the@RoyalAirForce we have brought a game-changing new capability to the frontline at pace.
Typhoon pilots are now flying with APKWS, our precision, low-cost weapon helping to counter uncrewed air systems… pic.twitter.com/hM3b6a1Nm6
— BAE Systems (@BAESystemsplc) May 17, 2026
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard 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,” Pollard added.
The APKWS uses a laser targeting system that converts unguided 70 mm rockets into low-cost precision weapons able to engage enemy drones and other threats. The UK said the development of lower-cost systems is intended to provide a more sustainable response to the growing use of drones against UK forces and partners.
Images released by the Ministry of Defence showed 9 Squadron Typhoons operating from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus with mixed combat loads. The aircraft were shown carrying MBDA Meteor and AIM-132 ASRAAM air-to-air missiles as well as rocket pods for 70 mm APKWS-guided weapons.
Simon Barnes, group managing director of 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 ro