politics
Royal Air Force Equips Typhoon Jets with Laser-Guided Anti-Drone System
The Royal Air Force has deployed the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System on Typhoon fighter jets operating in the Middle East. The Ministry of Defence said the laser-targeted munitions provide a lower-cost option against drone threats. Testing and integration occurred over two months with industry partners.
May 16, 7:01 PM·1m read1 source
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The Royal Air Force has begun using the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System on Typhoon fighter jets during Middle East operations. The Ministry of Defence stated that the laser-guided munitions convert unguided rockets into precision weapons capable of engaging drones at reduced cost compared with standard missiles.
RAF Typhoons are now conducting operational sorties with the system installed. The Ministry of Defence said the deployment followed an accelerated programme with BAE Systems and QinetiQ that moved from trials to frontline use in under two months.
Testing began in March with a strike on a ground target. Pilots from 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron later performed air-to-air exercises against drone targets. The Ministry of Defence said collaboration with industry allowed rapid integration onto the Typhoon platform.
Additional UK air defence systems remain positioned in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said the effort would allow the RAF to engage more drones at lower cost. Simon Barnes of BAE Systems said the work ensures the Royal Air Force has technologies to address evolving threats.
Air Commodore Donal McGurk said the testing supported the deployment on Typhoons. The Ministry of Defence has also awarded a contract for Skyhammer interceptors and committed more than £650 million to Typhoon upgrades.
