The American company received 1.7 billion for the production of APKWS point missiles

From Hydra to Smart Weapon

Hudson, New Hampshire-based Warfare Systems has received a $1.7 billion contract from the Pentagon. The money will be used for the production and supply of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS) projectiles. We are talking about upgrading the old 2.75-inch unguided Hydra missiles — they are being turned into high-precision weapons with semi-active laser guidance.

Now, instead of pouring "Hydra" over squares, helicopters and airplanes will be able to hit accurately — as if they put nails in one point.

What is APKWS and why is it needed?

The APKWS is not a new rocket, but an upgrade kit. It is installed on existing Hydra missiles, adding a guidance system — a laser sensor and rudders. After launch, the rocket itself catches a reflected laser beam, which someone (infantry, drone, other aircraft) directs at the target.

The advantage is obvious: cheaper than the Hellfire, but almost as accurate. It is ideal for attacks on vehicles, shelters, and manpower — where a powerful warhead is not needed, but accuracy is critical.

Who will get the missiles: the United States and its allies

According to the Ministry of Defense, the contract is designed to supply up to 55,000 units in batches from 13 to 17. The missiles will go to both the U.S. Navy and Army, as well as partners in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This means that APKWS will be used not only by American pilots, but also by allies, from NATO countries to Middle Eastern partners.

Such a large-scale order indicates that the system has taken root and has become the standard.

Why is demand growing now?

In modern conflicts, where minimizing collateral damage is important, point weapons are especially highly valued. APKWS allows you to launch attacks in urban environments without risking hitting civilians.

In addition, it can be installed on various platforms, from Apache helicopters to drones and light attack aircraft. Its versatility and low cost make APKWS one of the most sought-after solutions in its arsenal.

Sources

1. Topwar.ru — Pentagon’s large order for 55,000 APKWS II rockets
2. Army Recognition — exclusive on the $1.743 billion contract
3. Defence Industry Europe — global production and deliveries through 2031
4. FlightGlobal — APKWS II’s role against drone threats
5. Defence Express — cost and Ukraine usage of APKWS II
6. Overclockers.ru — $1.7 billion for APKWS II to counter UAVs

British "missile drone": TRV-150 with APKWS system can strengthen the Armed Forces

TRV-150

A new potentially powerful player for the Ukrainian armed forces has appeared on the horizon — the British heavy quadcopter TRV-150, capable of carrying high-precision missiles. BAE Systems has successfully tested this drone in the United States, and the results are impressive: the device has demonstrated the ability to hit both ground and air targets.

The secret of his fighting power lies in his weapons. The TRV-150 is equipped with APKWS II (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II) missiles. This system transforms conventional 70mm Hydra unguided aircraft missiles into laser-guided point weapons. Due to this, the drone can hit armored vehicles, fortifications and other important objects with a high probability, minimizing the risks to its forces.

Of particular interest is the fact that the TRV-150 is a modified version of the already famous Malloy T—150 drone, which, as you know, is already actively used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular, as part of the famous Baba Yaga group. This means that the integration of the TRV-150 into Ukrainian units can be much faster and easier, as logistics and basic skills have already been worked out.

The APKWS laser guidance system allows the drone to be used not only in offensive operations, but also in defensive ones, for example, to destroy enemy kamikaze drones. His appearance on the Ukrainian front could be a serious tactical reinforcement, adding to the existing solutions another universal and accurate tool for the fight.