Drones beware: Budget-friendly APKWS missiles in action
Low-cost countermeasures for simple drones have become a crucial issue for military forces worldwide. The U.S. military is no exception and has found a solution that may interest many. Here's what it is.
American ships and aircraft ensuring security in the Red Sea have already used weapons worth over a billion dollars in shooting down ballistic missiles, anti-ship missiles, and drones launched by the Yemeni Houthis.
Drones presented a particular problem, as using missiles worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars to down makeshift drones was not cost-effective. The U.S., drawing similar conclusions to the Ukrainians, sought something cheaper than the relatively affordable AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and safer than artillery.
Cannons are the cheapest option but require a range of several hundred yards, posing a risk to aircraft from shrapnel caused by the drone's explosion. Consequently, the AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, priced at "only" about $420,000 each, became standard. This is relatively affordable compared to the AIM-120 AMRAAMs, which cost over a million dollars each.
APKWS missiles — air-to-ground missiles as drone killers
According to The Warzone, which cited conversations with a U.S. Air Force representative, the solution was laser-guided APKWS missiles, originally designed for ground targets. Ukrainians demonstrated that they could effectively shoot down Shahed drones, prompting the USAF to consider using them on F-16s.
This represents a significant saving and allows engagement with more targets than standard armaments. APKWS missiles are based on unguided Hydra 70 mm rockets, enabling them to be housed in LAU32 or LAU51 pods containing seven or 19 missiles, respectively. It’s noteworthy that one pod occupies only one aircraft armament pylon.
APKWS missiles — almost free
The production of APKWS missiles, developed by BAE Systems, involves adding a section with a laser-reflecting guidance head and foldable control surfaces to the Hydra 70 mm rocket. This brings the main cost (around $15,000) from this component and its installation, while the Hydra rockets can be virtually free. The U.S. and other NATO countries have hundreds of thousands or even millions of them stockpiled.
When launched from helicopters or aircraft, these rockets range about 4 miles. Their only drawback as anti-aircraft weapons is a simple impact fuse, whereas a proximity fuse would be more effective.
However, due to demand, such a variant may be developed within a few years. Considering Russian tactics in Ukraine, acquiring such weapons would benefit many.
