The upgraded F-15E will be able to destroy up to 42 UAVs per flight using APKWS II missiles

 The US Air Force is experimenting with new weapons for the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bomber, planning to equip them with inexpensive, high-precision guided missiles to combat UAVs in the future, including laser-guided APKWS II projectiles. Thus, in the future, the payload increases to 42 guided munitions. Combined with the standard arsenal of air-to-air missiles, this expands the Strike Eagle's capabilities to combat drones and low-flying cruise missiles.

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II), also known as the AGR-20, was developed in the early 2000s to turn standard Hydra 70 unguided missiles into precision-guided weapons. Created by the BAE Systems team in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics, the system retained most of the rocket's parts — the engine, warhead and fuse — but added a guidance unit. Designed to improve accuracy and efficiency, the APKWS II helps reduce collateral damage and reduces logistical burden by 50% due to compatibility with the Hydra 70.

In early 2025, BAE Systems released an upgraded version of the APKWS II rocket, equipped with an infrared homing head. This addition allows the missile to capture the target's thermal signature after laser illumination, which increases its ability to hit fast or maneuverable objects, such as certain types of barrage munitions, IE reports.

The new weapons are designed for situations where traditional air-to—air missiles — each costing hundreds of thousands of dollars - may prove unsuitable or too expensive for large-scale battles.

The APKWS II is already used as an armament for many aircraft and helicopters, including the F-16, A-10, F/A-18 and Apache. The F-15E aircraft provides greater range and payload compared to the light multi-role F-16 fighters. With the APKWS II system, it turns into a multi-purpose target destruction platform capable of carrying more ammunition and staying in a combat zone for longer.

Last month, China unveiled its new sixth-generation fighter jet, the J-36, which is significantly larger and heavier than existing fifth-generation aircraft. According to Chinese media, the length of this new stealth aircraft is about 23 meters, and its weight ranges from 45 to 54 tons.

 F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bomber