BAE Systems Demonstrates the Effectiveness of APKWS® Against Agile, High-Speed Military Drones

Rhea-AI Summary

BAE Systems has successfully completed ground-to-air test firings of its 70mm rockets guided by APKWS® kits, achieving a perfect success rate against Class-2 unmanned aerial systems in Southern Arizona. Five APKWS-guided rockets were fired, destroying all targets, showcasing efficient countermeasures against increasingly common militarized drones without relying on costly missiles. The precision and flexibility of these munitions can meet evolving mission needs, with production facilities located in Hudson, New Hampshire, and Austin, Texas.

Positive

• Successful demonstration of APKWS-guided rockets with 5 for 5 target destruction.
• Cost-effective solution to counter unmanned aerial systems.
• High versatility of APKWS guidance kits suitable for various platforms.

Negative

• None.

HUDSON, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BAE Systems completed additional ground-to-air test firings to prove the effectiveness of 70mm rockets guided by APKWS® guidance kits against Class-2 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that weigh roughly 25-50 pounds and can travel at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

70mm rockets guided by APKWS® guidance kits went 5 for 5 against agile, high-speed Class 2 drones in testing. (Source: BAE Systems)

During the demonstration in Southern Arizona, five APKWS-guided counter-UAS rockets were fired from a containerized weapon system and destroyed all targets, including fast-moving drones. The test results further demonstrate APKWS guidance kits’ ability to enable low-cost, precision strikes against airborne threats.

“Militarized drones are becoming more prevalent in conflicts around the world, and we’re giving our customers an efficient way to counter them without wasting expensive missiles,” said Greg Procopio, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our tests demonstrate that APKWS guidance kits have the flexibility to engage a variety of targets to meet the evolving mission needs of the warfighter.”

The 70mm rockets can destroy Class-2 aerial drones by combining standard motors and warheads with APKWS guidance kits and proven proximity/point-detonation fuzes. The resulting precision munition is a low-cost, supersonic, lock-on-after-launch strike weapon with a large 10-pound warhead that can destroy large drones in a matter of seconds with or without direct contact.

Combat-proven APKWS-guided rockets are highly effective against a variety of soft and armored stationary and moving targets. They can be fired by many different platforms, including jets, helicopters, trucks, boats, and weapon stations, and stowed APKWS guidance kits protect seeker optics from adjacent rocket fire, unlike nose-mounted seeker optics. APKWS guidance kits are the only U.S. government program of record for 70mm laser-guided rockets. The kits are available to all U.S. armed forces, as well as U.S. allies via Foreign Military Sales.

APKWS guidance kits are produced at BAE Systems manufacturing facilities in Hudson, New Hampshire and Austin, Texas. For more information about APKWS guidance kits, visit: www.baesystems.com/apkws.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221129005320/en/

Mark Daly, BAE Systems

Mobile: 603-233-7636

mark.g.daly@baesystems.com

www.baesystems.com/US

@BAESystemsInc

Source: BAE Systems

FAQ

What recent tests did BAE Systems conduct for the stock symbol BAESY?

BAE Systems completed successful ground-to-air test firings of 70mm rockets guided by APKWS® kits against Class-2 unmanned aerial systems.

When and where were the APKWS-guided rocket tests conducted?

The tests were conducted in Southern Arizona, showcasing the rockets' effectiveness against fast-moving drones.

What is the significance of the APKWS-guided rockets for BAESY investors?

The successful tests highlight BAE Systems' ability to offer cost-effective and efficient solutions in the defense sector, potentially boosting its market position.