Pentagon, BAE Sign Seven-Year Framework for Up to 25,000 APKWS Kits a Year
The U.S. Defense Department signed a framework agreement with BAE Systems to buy up to 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for as long as seven years, with a path to 35,000 kits a year for allies through Foreign Military Sales. APKWS converts unguided 2.75-inch rockets into laser-guided munitions and is fielded by all four services as a cheaper counter-drone alternative to air-to-air missiles. Congress must still approve and fund the purchase, and no cost was disclosed.
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Pentagon Signs Seven-Year Deal for 25,000 APKWS Laser-Guided Rocket Kits Annually
The Pentagon has concluded a framework agreement with BAE Systems for up to seven years to purchase 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kits annually for the U.S. military, with an additional 10,000 kits per year possible for international customers. APKWS converts 2.75-inch unguided rockets into precision munitions at roughly $35,000 each, offering a low-cost alternative to air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9X, which costs around $500,000. The system is fielded by the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and allies, and has been used extensively to down drones in the Middle East, scoring its first air-to-air kill in fall 2024. Former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin noted the effort was organic and not a formal program of record. BAE will expand production in New Hampshire and Texas.
Pentagon Signs Seven-Year Deal for 25,000 APKWS Laser-Guided Rocket Kits Annually
The Pentagon and BAE Systems announced a framework agreement of up to seven years to buy 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kits annually for the U.S. military, with another 10,000 kits per year potentially available for international customers. APKWS converts 2.75-inch unguided rockets into precision munitions and is fielded by the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and allies. It has become the preferred method for U.S. warplanes to down drones fired by Iran and Iranian-backed militias in the Middle East, with its first air-to-air combat kill in fall 2024 by an F-16. Officials cite its low cost of roughly $35,000 per unit versus about $1 million for AMRAAMs. Former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin said the effort was organic without a formal requirement. BAE will expand production in New Hampshire and Texas.
Pentagon, BAE Sign Framework Deal for Up to 25,000 APKWS Kits Annually
The Pentagon and BAE Systems signed a framework agreement to purchase up to 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kits per year for as long as seven years, the department announced Monday. APKWS kits convert unguided 2.75-inch rockets into laser-guided munitions and are used by all four services as a cheaper alternative to air-to-air missiles for downing drones. Congress must still approve and fund the buy, and neither side disclosed the deal's cost. The framework also outlines a path to raise output to 35,000 kits annually for U.S. allies through the Foreign Military Sales program. BAE builds the kits in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas, and previously delivered its 100,000th kit. The Navy's current five-year APKWS contract, awarded in August 2025, is worth up to $1.74 billion and covers up to 55,000 kits. Saudi Arabia and Italy are among allied buyers weighing purchases.
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Pentagon, BAE Sign Framework Deal for Up to 25,000 APKWS Kits a Year
The Defense Department announced Monday that it signed a framework agreement with BAE Systems to buy up to 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for as long as seven years. APKWS kits turn unguided 2.75-inch rockets into laser-guided munitions and are fielded by all four services as a cheaper alternative to air-to-air missiles for downing drones. Congress must still approve and fund the purchase, and no cost was disclosed. The framework also outlines a path to raise output to 35,000 kits a year for U.S. allies as partner nations request kits through Foreign Military Sales. BAE builds the kits in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas, and said it will increase production while a multiyear contract is negotiated. The Navy's current five-year APKWS contract, awarded in August 2025, is worth up to $1.74 billion and covers up to 55,000 kits.
Pentagon, BAE Sign Framework Deal for Up to 25,000 APKWS Kits a Year
The Defense Department signed a framework agreement with BAE Systems to purchase up to 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kits annually for as long as seven years, the department announced Monday. APKWS kits convert unguided 2.75-inch rockets into laser-guided munitions and are fielded by all four services as a cheaper alternative to air-to-air missiles for downing drones. Congress must still approve and fund the buy, and neither side disclosed the deal's cost. The framework also outlines a path to raise output to 35,000 kits a year for U.S. allies through the Foreign Military Sales program. BAE builds the kits in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas. The Navy's current five-year APKWS contract, awarded in August 2025, is worth up to $1.74 billion and covers up to 55,000 kits. Saudi Arabia won State Department approval in July for a possible $1.96 billion package including up to 20,000 kits, and Italy is weighing a buy of 5,031 kits for counter-drone defense.