The approval opens the way for a possible transaction through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process. The $364 million figure represents the maximum estimated value of the full package.
The package includes LAU-131 launchers and 70mm rockets fitted with Mk 152 high-explosive fragmentation warheads, Mk 66 rocket motors and proximity fuzes. It also covers Mk 66 motor-module mass and dimensional mock-ups and WTU-1/B training warheads.
If acquired, the weapons would be integrated with Eurofighter multirole combat aircraft operated by the Italian Air Force. The planned work would follow a similar integration completed by the United Kingdom in 2026.
The United States previously integrated APKWS II with fourth-generation combat aircraft. Operational experience indicates that the system can support engagements against airborne targets at scale while maintaining cost efficiency.
The proposed upgrade follows an August 2026 incident in which an Italian Eurofighter deployed in the Baltic region shot down an unmanned aircraft that entered Latvian airspace. The source did not identify the weapon used in that interception.
