F-15E taught to shoot down drones — APKWS II laser missiles are now in action

When a Fighter jet becomes a drone hunter

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a machine that was created to strike ground targets and fight fighter jets. But now he gets a new, unexpected role: a drone hunter. Earlier this year, the US Air Force urgently began equipping the F-15E with modified APKWS II laser-guided missiles to effectively destroy small drones and missiles in the Middle East.

It's not a whim, it's a necessity. The threat from cheap but dangerous drones has become too great.

APKWS II — not for bombing, but for precision strikes

The APKWS II is a 70mm missile originally developed for helicopters against ground targets. But now it has been upgraded: guidance systems have been added that are compatible with suspended targets in the air. Instead of carrying heavy and expensive air–to-air missiles, the F-15E can use the APKWS II to destroy drones that are not worth "firing a cannon at sparrows."

The missile is small, maneuverable, and laser—guided - it hits accurately even at a rapidly changing target. And most importantly, it's cheaper than the AIM-9 or AIM-120.

Why did the F-15E get the missiles first

The F-15E is not the first candidate for an anti—drone role. But it has key advantages: a powerful radar, the ability to carry a lot of weapons and stay in the patrol area for a long time. In addition, he is already working in hot spots, where such opportunities are needed.

The urgent implementation suggests that the Air Force is not waiting for the perfect solution, but is taking what works. The APKWS II has already been tested, is in stock, and can be quickly adapted. This is a real-time combat adaptation.

The Middle East is dictating new rules

Against the background of drone attacks on oil facilities, military bases and ships, the US Air Force realized that traditional air defense systems do not always keep up. And fighter jets flying in the air are the best shield.

Now the F-15E can not only accompany attack aircraft, but also clear the sky of threats. This is not a replacement for systems like Patriot, but an addition that is fast, accurate, and mobile.

Sources

1. Avia.pro — F-15E Strike Eagle first seen in anti-drone configuration with rocket pods
2. HighTech Plus — upgraded F-15E can destroy up to 42 UAVs per sortie
3. Topwar.ru — CENTCOM photo of F-15E armed for counter-UAV missions in the Middle East
4. Wikipedia — McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle overview
5. ProGuns.ru — F-15E receives new laser-guided APKWS II rockets
6. Kurazh.org — first APKWS rocket integration on U.S. fighters
7. Charter97.org — APKWS II combat use against drone threats

General Burt: The Space Forces will decide in the fall on methods for tracking moving targets from orbit

 Lieutenant General Dianna M. Burt, deputy chief of the US Special Operations Forces for Cybersecurity and nuclear weapons, said that the Space Forces plan to complete an analysis of various options this fall on how best to track moving targets directly from orbit.  

According to her, it will still take time to develop the necessary technologies for precise guidance from space. She explained that they are now working closely with various commercial companies and industry partners to understand exactly what methods and approaches will help to implement the indication – that is, detection and tracking – of moving aerial targets from space.  

General Burt made this statement on August 4 at an event hosted by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies at the American Aviation Agency (AFA).  

In short, the task is not easy: we need to find the best ways to "see" objects in space in real time that are flying fast and may be a potential threat, and do it from orbit. Detailed work is currently underway to understand which technologies will actually work and be able to become part of the defense system.

Lieutenant General Dianna M. Burt

Australia Showed Its Teeth: NASAMS System Passed The Fire Test

Australia did not let itself be offended at the latest Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, which took place from July 13 to August 4. They demonstrated their cool air defense system, NASAMS. This system, as it turned out, can shoot down almost anything that flies.: from airplanes to missiles, and at altitudes up to 15 kilometers. Its AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles are known for their precision, and they really don't miss.

NASAMS is already in service with the Australian forces, where it is served by the 16th Regiment of the Royal Artillery at Woodside Base. They have two such batteries that guard against anything that can come from the sky, from combat aircraft to drones and missiles.

At the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, the system proved itself one hundred percent. It worked successfully in real conditions, when the Australians trained together with the Americans and other allies. The exercises brought together more than 35,000 soldiers from 19 countries, which became a record event in the history of Australia. This highlights how important it is to work together now, especially on security and defense issues.

The successful launch of the AIM-120 AMRAAM from the NASAMS ground installation during the exercises showed that Australia is serious about protecting its skies. It has also strengthened its position as an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region.