BAE Systems delivers 100,000th APKWS laser-guidance kit, marking key precision munitions milestone

The APKWS guidance kit is a combat-proven, multi-mission system designed to counter a range of threats while supporting cost-effective operations. It is widely used in the counter-unmanned aircraft systems mission and has been deployed internationally to address emerging threats.

“With over a decade of proven performance, reliability, and accuracy, APKWS guidance kits have supported precision-strike missions worldwide,” said Neeta Jayaraman, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “This milestone demonstrates our ability to deliver innovative technology rapidly and at scale. With our new production contract, we’re poised to support evolving mission needs for years to come.”

The system converts unguided 2.75-inch rockets into precision-guided munitions, enabling accurate strikes while minimizing collateral damage. It can be launched from rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, static and mounted ground platforms, and maritime vessels.

According to the company, the kit supports air-to-surface, surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, and air-to-air engagements. It is designed for straightforward integration with new and existing rocket motors, warheads, and fuzes, and requires minimal training and maintenance.

The APKWS guidance kit is fielded by the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps and is available to allied nations through foreign defense sales. BAE Systems has maintained full-rate production of the system for more than 12 years, continuing to invest in upgrades, mission-specific variants, and new technologies to address evolving threats.

Production takes place at BAE Systems manufacturing facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas. The company described the sites as state-of-the-art and central to sustaining output at scale.