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

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.

Turkish Laser Eye: Nero Industries unveils revolutionary drone GLD-466

 At the IDEF 2025 international defense exhibition in Istanbul, the Turkish company Nero Industries challenged the usual notions of tactical drones by presenting its latest development, the GLD—466 laser-guided drone. This system is positioned as something that can radically change the rules of the game in modern warfare, where drones are becoming an increasingly dominant force.

The GLD-466 is not just another FPV drone or a barrage munition. It is designed for high-speed and, most importantly, high-precision operations, and is equipped with advanced laser guidance technologies. Its key advantage is a unique combination of three factors: affordable cost, reusable capability, and high target acquisition accuracy. In an era when the battlefields are increasingly filled with disposable drones, the idea of a reusable but effective combat vehicle looks especially attractive.

Nero Industries claims that the GLD-466 directly bridges the "gap" between expensive man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and conventional, often less accurate, guided munitions. This makes it a versatile tool, suitable both for defeating lightly armored vehicles and for delivering pinpoint strikes against fortified positions or enemy manpower.

The presentation of the GLD-466 at IDEF 2025 was a clear indication of the growing role of not only autonomous platforms, but also innovative guidance systems in future conflicts. The Turkish defense industry is once again demonstrating its ability to offer cost-effective and tactically flexible solutions for modern armies.

GLD—466

Turkey has released a combat "dog" with missiles

 

KOZ

At the IDEF 2025 international defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey stunned the world with its new development — KOZ, a robotic "dog" on four legs that does not just walk and turn, but shoots laser-guided missiles. Yes, you heard right.: This is a real fighting machine, similar to a metal dog, but with a weapon capable of hitting a target from a distance.

The developer is the Turkish company Roketsan, known for its high—precision missiles. KOZ is not a toy, but a serious platform combining artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation and shock capabilities. It can independently patrol complex terrain — ruins, forests, mountains — detect targets and, at the command of the operator or in semi-autonomous mode, deliver pinpoint strikes.

The exhibition showed how KOZ carries miniature laser—guided missiles, the same ones used in other Turkish drones and systems. This allows her to hit enemy armored vehicles, shelters, or manpower with high accuracy and minimal risk to her own.

Why do we need such a "dog" at all? In modern conflicts, it is increasingly necessary to operate in urban environments, where cool equipment — tanks and armored personnel carriers — is vulnerable. But a small, agile robot can penetrate where no human can go and destroy the threat before it strikes.

KOZ's debut is not just a technology show. This is part of Turkey's ambitious strategy to become self-sufficient in defense: from drones to robots, from electronics to missiles. The country is already known for its Bayraktar drones, and now it is moving further into the era of autonomous combat systems.

And although KOZ looks like a prototype so far, its appearance is a signal: the future of war is already here. And it's not really barking, it's shooting.

The Cornet now has four times more fire: new ammunition changes the rules of the game

 

Kornet

The Kornet anti—tank missile system has become four times more powerful, Rostec State Corporation has officially announced. And it's not just about upgrading, but about a real leap in combat capabilities.

The secret lies in the new cassette developed by the High—Precision Complexes holding company inside Rostec. Now one such cassette can carry four 9M134 Bulat light missiles at once, instead of one heavy one, as it was before. This means that a soldier can fire four times as many missiles in the same mission — without reloading, without delay, just by pressing the trigger several times.

Imagine: you used to have one shot, and that's it, you need to change the charge. Now - four accurate shots in a row. It's not just convenient, it changes tactics. One fighter can clear an entire position without risking going out into the open.

The 9M134 Bulat missiles are not just mini versions of their older counterparts. They are guided by a laser beam, which makes them very accurate, and their range is up to several kilometers (according to Rostec, the exact figures are not disclosed, but we are talking about kilometers). This means that the shooter can fire from a safe distance without being noticed.

In addition, the Bulat was designed to destroy not only tanks, but also lighter targets: armored personnel carriers, bunkers, and equipment in shelters. That is, the Kornet is no longer just "against tanks" — it is now a universal destroyer.

Earlier, in May, Rostec had already boasted that the Kornet was capable of penetrating any armor, including active protection and a tank turret. Now, with the new cassette, he is also four times more resilient — he can work in conditions of intense combat, where every shot decides.

The updated complex is currently undergoing pilot military operation - that is, it is already being tested in real conditions, with the participation of the military. If everything goes well, the new version of the Cornet will quickly enter service.

For the first time, a British drone shot down an enemy UAV using laser missiles

The British company Malloy Aeronautics has made a real breakthrough: for the first time in history, its heavy-lift quadcopter shot down another drone using high-precision laser missiles. The tests took place this summer in the Utah desert, and this was an important step in the fight against drone attacks.

Imagine this: one drone shoots at another drone with precision missiles. This is not just an interesting experiment, it is a new level of air defense, especially in an environment where drones are increasingly being used to attack military installations and positions. For example, such strikes have become commonplace in the SVR zone, and the means of countering drones are now worth their weight in gold.

The Berkshire-based company is already in talks with several armies interested in this technology. This suggests that militaries around the world are beginning to take the threat from drones seriously — and are looking for ways not just to detect them, but to effectively destroy them.

Such systems can become part of a multi-layered air defense system, especially in environments where traditional means such as anti-aircraft missiles may be either too bulky or too expensive to use against cheap commercial UAVs.

In general, the British have shown that drones can beat drones, and they do it with precision and style. This could change the rules of the game in modern warfare, where drones have long since moved from the category of futuristic toys to combat units.

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