The UK government has completed tests of the APKWS rocket system in partnership with defence firms QinetiQ and BAE Systems. The government indicated that it intends to deploy this system in a matter of months.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard stated that the initiative “will help the RAF shoot down many more drones at a much lower cost.”
Closing the Cost Gap
The APKWS is designed to transform unguided rockets into low-cost precision weapons by equipping them with a laser-targeting system. This allows the military to target enemy drones and other threats more efficiently.
Defence experts estimate that APKWS rockets cost approximately $30,000 (£22,377) each. This represents a significant shift from the previous reliance on expensive surface-to-air missile systems or missiles launched from fighter jets.
This pricing is more aligned with the cost of the Shahed 136 long-range drone, an Iranian-manufactured aircraft estimated to cost between $20,000 and $50,000.
Regional Threats and Security
The need for cost-effective interceptions follows a pattern of drone activity in the region. In March, a drone hit RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, resulting in “minimal damage,” while two additional drones were intercepted days later.
The Cypriot government suspected that these attacks were carried out by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Broadly, Iran has targeted US assets and allies across the region since the outbreak of the war, including Bahrain, Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
International Response and Conflict Status
Other nations are pursuing similar upgrades. In recent months, Qatar has sought to purchase 10,000 APKWS units from the US to strengthen its own defensive capabilities.
The scale of the threat is evident in the UAE, which reports intercepting 438 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles, and more than 2,000 drones since the conflict began.
Following massive air strikes on Iran by US and Israeli forces on February 28, a ceasefire was implemented last month to facilitate talks. While some exchanges of fire have occurred, the ceasefire has been largely observed.
Looking Ahead
The deployment of the APKWS may allow the RAF to maintain a more sustainable defense posture against high-volume drone incursions.
As low-altitude threats persist, the integration of laser-targeting systems into unguided rockets is likely to be a key component of regional security strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APKWS system?
The APKWS is a system that equips unguided rockets with a laser-targeting system, converting them into low-cost precision weapons capable of taking down drones and other threats.
How does the cost of APKWS compare to the drones it targets?
APKWS rockets are estimated by experts to cost around $30,000 (£22,377), which is close to the estimated $20,000 to $50,000 cost of a Shahed 136 drone.
Why are Shahed drones demanding to detect?
Because they have a slim profile and the ability to fly at low altitudes, they are harder for early warning systems and radar to detect, as those systems often prioritize missile threats.
How should nations balance the cost of their defense systems against the cost of the threats they face?
