A naval helicopter fires an APKWS laser-guided rocket at a speeding boat in the distance. Credit: BAE Systems.

BAE Systems has been awarded a $2.68bn contract to deliver additional Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets to the US Navy.

The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract covers full-rate production lots eight to 12 of the precision munition.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

BAE Systems will provide APKWS II WGU-59/B units under the contract to help upgrade the existing 2.75in rocket system to a semi-active laser-guided precision weapon.

The upgrade kits are intended for the navy, airforce, army and foreign allies, including Iraq, the Netherlands, Afghanistan, the UK, Lebanon, Australia, Tunisia, the Philippines, and Jordan.

The rockets provide precision strike capabilities and minimise the risk of collateral damage.

BAE Systems Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions director Marc Casseres said: “Our armed forces customers are looking to apply just the right amount of force at the right location to execute their missions without unnecessary damage.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“APKWS rockets provide warfighters with the unique ability to precisely engage targets without excessive force, reducing the risk to nearby forces, civilians, and assets. It’s the driving force behind growing global demand.”

The APKWS guidance kits can be used to convert unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons to provide surgical strike capability.

BAE Systems will produce an undisclosed number of APKWS rockets over the five-year contract period.

The rocket can hit targets with high accuracy and can be launched from fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including the F-16, ARH, A-10, AV-8B, UH-1Y and UH-60L/M.