F-15E Strike Eagles Equipped with Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWSII) for Drone Hunting

A few days after the first images of Strike Eagle fighters carrying four or six LAU-131 launch containers for drone hunting appeared, the US Central Command published a photograph showing similar equipment on a combat-deployed F-15E.

A new combat unit for combating UAVs, consisting of six rocket launchers LAU-131A, which the US Air Force demonstrated on F-15E fighters participating in tests at Eglin Air Force Base, has entered the area of responsibility of the US Central Command.

The US Air Force Command has just shared an image of one of the F-15Es deployed in the Middle East, carrying six LAU-131 containers, a total of 42 laser-guided AGR-20 APKWSII (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II) missiles. In fact, the extended version of the standard LAU-131A, LAU-131A/A, can carry 7 missiles.

Interestingly, in addition to the 42 missiles, the F-15E appears to be equipped with 4 air-to-air missiles AIM-9X and 4 air-to-air missiles AIM-120C/D.

Although the original message did not specify the exact location of the F-15E, it took OSINT researcher Evergreen Intel just a few minutes to geolocate the image and gather additional information about the aircraft.

The APKWS missiles for the F-15E, which successfully completed their test cycle at Eglin Air Force Base, have recently been accepted into service as an air-to-air weapon by the US Air Force F-16 fighters participating in drone interception missions in the Red Sea area.

Originally developed as a low-cost precision-guided munition with laser guidance for air-to-ground targets, the APKWSII was first tested for air-to-air use in 2019. It offers an affordable option for engaging slow-moving aerial threats such as drones and cruise missiles. During recent operations, F-16s typically operated in pairs: one aircraft designated the target using a Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, while the other performed the attack run with missiles.

Compared to traditional air-to-air missile configurations, the APKWS configuration allowed the F-16 to significantly increase its combat capability. While the standard loadout of AIM-9X and AIM-120 missiles provides six shots, carrying one or two APKWS missile packs allowed the Viper to triple that number. This was achieved at a fraction of the cost, as each APKWS missile is valued at approximately $30,000, while an AIM-9X costs around $450,000 and an AIM-120 exceeds $1 million each. The trade-off is that APKWS missiles are effective only against predictable targets with limited maneuverability.

The recently tested F-15E loadout further expands the concept. With six installed LAU-131 containers, the Strike Eagle can carry up to 42 APKWS missiles in addition to the standard set of eight air-to-air missiles. This gives the aircraft up to 50 attack opportunities, even without considering the internal gun. The configuration also provides greater operational flexibility: the weapons systems officer in the rear seat can laser-designate targets using the Sniper ATP, while the pilot focuses on the attack, eliminating the need for paired operations similar to those conducted with the F-16.

The integration of APKWSII on the Strike Eagle appears to be a logical evolution. During the Iranian drone attack on Israel in April 2024, the F-15E was among the aircraft tasked with intercepting the incoming wave of drones. One of the limiting factors during this operation was the limited number of air-to-air missiles available to each aircraft. An F-15E equipped with a high missile loadout would have significantly increased the duration and effectiveness of sorties against UAVs.

APKWSII is already in use on several US platforms, including the AV-8B Harrier and F/A-18C/D Hornet aircraft of the US Marine Corps, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom, A-10C and F-16 aircraft of the US Air Force, MH-60R/S helicopters of the US Navy, and AH-64D/E Apache helicopters of the US Army.

APKWSII is based on the unguided Hydra 70 rocket. This cost-effective modification transforms a simple unguided munition into a precision weapon. The system uses four folding wings with laser guidance optics known as a Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker (DASALS), which provides a wide field of view for tracking both stationary and moving targets.

The dual-mode guidance system for 70mm rockets APKWSII, with infrared and laser guidance, enhances fighter jets' capabilities to counter UAVs, tasked with effectively and inexpensively repelling drone attacks.

BAE Systems recently unveiled a new APK (Advanced Precision Kit) for 70mm Hydra rockets as part of the APKWSII (Advanced Kill Precision Weapon System II) at the Sea Air Space 2025 conference in Maryland. The new kit includes an InfraRed (IR) seeker in addition to the existing laser guidance, making the missile a dual-mode weapon.

Adding IR guidance will relieve pilots of the need for continuous laser illumination of aerial targets, such as cheap kamikaze drones used by the Houthis, allowing them to quickly engage other threats. Until now, the laser-guided variant has been used in this role thanks to special enhancements.

As reported by The Aviationist in February 2025, US Air Force F-16 aircraft deployed in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility have been using APKWSII as an air-to-air weapon against Houthis' UAVs over the Red Sea since 2024. The laser-guided APKWSII addressed the cost shortage issue that arose when using larger AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, each costing millions, against simple disposable strike drones costing no more than $15,000 each.

Designated by the US Department of Defense as AGR-20, APKWSII consists of an unguided Hydra 70mm rocket with the addition of a laser guidance section between the 10-pound fragmentation warhead in the nose and the Mk66 Mod 4 rocket motor in the tail. The 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron of the US Air Force first tested APKWSII in the air-to-air role on December 19, 2019, shooting down a small drone during a concept demonstration where an F-16 fired the missile and guided it to the target using a Sniper pod.

The weapon system underwent the Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance (FALCO) modernization program aimed at enhancing UAV combat capabilities. BAE Systems claims that the APK seeker is the next step in the evolution of the rocket system.

The laser guidance system presented by BAE in APKWS consists of a guidance block in the middle of the body, which includes Distributed Aperture Semi-Active Laser Seeker (DASALS) optics located on all four folding guidance wings. They have a wide field of view for engaging both moving and stationary targets in open terrain.

BAE Systems explains that the system requires no modifications to the rocket, fire platform, or fire control system. In fact, APKWS only requires a longer version of the seven-shot rocket block LAU-131/A, known as LAU-131 A/A (the Navy uses AGR-20 with a similar LAU-68 F/A).

AGR-20 FALCO is an enhanced version of APKWSII, which includes software updates to increase the lethality of the weapon in air-to-air combat against UAVs. This variant is currently in service in the area of responsibility of the US Central Command and, according to Naval News, is effectively used with a high probability of hitting aerial targets.

FALCO was a response to an emerging operational need and, upon deployment, significantly improved the US Air Force's capabilities against UAVs. The new IR seeker head of APK is based on these new technical solutions, further enhancing the capabilities of the micro SAM C-UAS.

APKWSII is also used as a ground-based micro SAM C-UAS against low-flying, slow, and cheap drones. Among the platforms performing this role are EAGLS (Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher System), deployed by the US military in the Middle East, and VAMPIRE (Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment), supplied by the US to Ukraine to combat drones. It is unclear whether these systems will use the new seeker head.

China's "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb": some details

 

The main secret of this new type of ammunition lies in a material called magnesium hydride. When it encounters high temperature or a catalyst, it quickly decomposes into magnesium and hydrogen. The hydrogen then burns violently with the surrounding oxygen, instantly releasing a large amount of heat and forming a large fireball.

Usually, magnesium hydride is a solid that is safe to transport and store. The decomposition process can also be precisely controlled. The energy per unit mass is higher than that of standard TNT. During the experiment, a "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" weighing only 2 kg detonated, instantly creating a fireball with a temperature of more than 1000 degrees. Celsius. Gorenje ball's burning time was more than two seconds.

For comparison, the temperature of the TNT explosion of the same mass is not so high, and the duration of the fireball is even shorter, only 1/16 of the previous one. However, the "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" also has weaknesses. The maximum pressure created by its explosion is less than half the pressure of TNT.

The difference between these two explosives determines their "specialization." Conventional TNT-based munitions form a super-strong shockwave of instant explosion, but their ability to withstand high temperatures is weak. The shock wave of a "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" is not strong, but it maintains a high temperature for a long time, created by the combustion of hydrogen and suitable for hitting various "heat-intolerant" military targets.

In general, although the "hydrogen non-nuclear bomb" cannot replace traditional ammunition, it will definitely find its place on the battlefield of the future. Its appearance vividly demonstrates China's capabilities in the research and development of new ammunition.

The United States launches the B61-13 gravity nuclear bomb

The United States is launching the latest B61-13 gravity nuclear bomb

The American Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) has unveiled the latest gravitational nuclear bomb B61-13, the serial production of which started 7 months ahead of schedule. It was developed as part of a 2023 project by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Safety Administration.

The B61-13 is a continuation of the concept of the previous B61—7 and B61-12 models, but with updated security systems that exclude outside interference in the actuation mechanism. In addition, the B61-13 is equipped with a power-controlled warhead, which allows its power to be programmed from 10 to 360 kt.

This makes it possible to use it both against conventional targets with minimal damage, and to destroy large buried objects. The bomb will be equipped with a tail unit, which will turn it into a homing precision weapon launched from an aircraft before it enters the enemy's air defense zone. The carrier of the B61-13 will initially be the B-2 Spirit bomber. In the future, it will be replaced by the promising stealth bomber B-21 "Raider".

Ukraine unveils the Bars drone rocket

 Ukraine has developed a new rocket, the Bars drone

Here's what the manufacturer says:

Bars was developed by private manufacturers. It belongs to the class of so-called cruise missile drones: it is a cross between a conventional cruise missile and a drone, more often an aircraft type with a warhead of about 50-100 kg and a small turbojet engine. Drone missiles can be launched from both ground installations and aircraft.

The range of the Leopard is approximately 700-800 km, it is a medium-range weapon. According to sources, a significant advantage of this missile is the possibility of mass production in Ukraine.

This is not the first such project, before that, we recall, there was a drone rocket "Trembita".

Chinese non-nuclear hydrogen bomb: a new threat

 China is testing a non-nuclear hydrogen bomb, according to a scientific article.

The weapon generates a white-hot fireball that lasts 15 times longer than a fleeting TNT flash.

The 2 kg (4.4 lb) bomb created a fireball of over 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than two seconds — 15 times longer than equivalent TNT explosions. — without using any nuclear materials, the report says.

The device, developed by the 705 Research Institute of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), a key player in the production of underwater weapons systems, uses a magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage material.

Skepticism Surrounds UK's Claim of Successful Radio Wave Weapon Testing

The United Kingdom's recent claim regarding the successful testing of a new radio wave weapon, purportedly capable of destroying drones from a distance of 1,000 yards at a cost of $0.13 per unit, has been met with skepticism. Contrary to the official statement, the radio wave weapon reportedly failed to detect, capture, or destroy any unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or drones that appeared over U.S. military bases in Great Britain. This discrepancy raises questions about the effectiveness and reliability of the new technology, highlighting the need for further investigation and transparency in military advancements.

Is this a new radio wave weapon?

Putin's Ominous Warning: "Oreshnik" Targets in Ukraine and the Inevitability of Destruction

Vladimir Putin

In a chilling development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed that the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense are currently selecting targets for the deployment of the "Oreshnik" ("Hazel") weapon on Ukrainian territory. This announcement comes amidst escalating tensions and ongoing military operations in Ukraine, raising significant concerns about the potential for catastrophic destruction and the strategic implications of such an attack.

Putin's statement underscores the grave threat posed by the "Oreshnik," a weapon described as capable of unprecedented destruction. According to Putin, the decision-making centers in Kyiv may become primary targets for the "Oreshnik" strikes. This revelation suggests that Russia is prepared to take drastic measures to disrupt Ukraine's command and control infrastructure, aiming to paralyze the country's military and political leadership.

The Russian president's remarks highlight the futility of supplying Ukraine with even the most modern weapons. Putin asserted that no amount of advanced weaponry would alter the situation on the battlefield, emphasizing the overwhelming superiority of the "Oreshnik." This statement is a stark warning to the international community, particularly to nations providing military aid to Ukraine, that Russia is determined to achieve its strategic objectives regardless of external support.

Putin's description of the "Oreshnik's" capabilities is particularly alarming. He stated that everything within the epicenter of the explosion from the "Oreshnik" is divided into elementary particles, effectively turning into dust. This level of destruction suggests that the weapon is capable of obliterating even the most fortified and deeply buried structures, making it a formidable tool in Russia's arsenal. The sheer power of the "Oreshnik" underscores the devastating impact it could have on Ukraine's military and civilian infrastructure.

Furthermore, Putin pointed out that the leadership in Kyiv is now completely illegitimate, labeling them as usurpers who do not even have the right to give orders to the army. This statement is a clear indication of Russia's intent to undermine the authority of the Ukrainian government and military leadership, aiming to create a power vacuum that could be exploited to achieve its strategic goals.

NATO's Response to a Hypothetical "Oreshnik" Attack on a European Military Base

Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mark Rutte

Imagine a scenario where Russia's newly unveiled weapon, the "Oreshnik" ("Hazel"), is deployed against a military base somewhere in Europe. This hypothetical situation raises critical questions about how NATO would respond to such an unprecedented attack, given the unique and devastating capabilities of the "Oreshnik." The use of this advanced weapon would present NATO with a complex and challenging dilemma, requiring a strategic and measured response to maintain regional stability and deter further aggression.

The "Oreshnik" has been described as a monstrous weapon capable of erasing objects into dust and glass through the intense heat and energy released by plasma charges or other advanced physical principles. If such a weapon were to strike a NATO military base in Europe, the destruction would be catastrophic, potentially rendering the base and its surrounding infrastructure obsolete. The sheer power of the "Oreshnik" would make it clear that conventional military responses, including the use of nuclear weapons, would be ineffective or disproportionate, necessitating a more nuanced and strategic approach.

In the immediate aftermath of an "Oreshnik" attack, NATO would likely convene an emergency meeting of the North Atlantic Council, the alliance's principal political decision-making body. This meeting would involve high-level discussions among NATO member states to assess the situation, gather intelligence, and formulate an appropriate response. The alliance would need to consider the strategic implications of the attack, the capabilities of the "Oreshnik," and the potential for further escalation.

One of the primary challenges NATO would face is the lack of a direct countermeasure to the "Oreshnik." If conventional missiles and nuclear-tipped warheads are deemed ineffective or inappropriate, NATO would need to explore alternative options to respond to the attack. This could involve a multi-faceted approach, combining diplomatic, economic, and military measures to address the threat posed by the "Oreshnik" and deter further aggression.

Diplomatically, NATO would likely engage in intense negotiations with Russia, seeking to de-escalate the situation and prevent further use of the "Oreshnik." The alliance would emphasize the need for adherence to international law and the principles of arms control, urging Russia to engage in constructive discussions about the weapon's development and deployment. Diplomatic efforts would aim to establish a framework for dialogue and cooperation, aimed at preventing a further escalation of tensions and promoting regional stability.

Economically, NATO could impose additional sanctions on Russia, targeting key sectors of the Russian economy to exert pressure and deter further aggression. Economic measures could include restrictions on trade, investment, and financial transactions, aimed at limiting Russia's ability to fund and develop advanced military technologies. The alliance would coordinate these efforts with international partners, seeking to build a united front against Russian aggression.

Militarily, NATO would need to explore alternative means of responding to the "Oreshnik" attack, given the limitations of conventional and nuclear options. This could involve the development and deployment of advanced defensive technologies, such as directed energy weapons, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons, or other innovative military capabilities. The alliance would invest in research and development, seeking to create effective countermeasures to the "Oreshnik" and other advanced weapons.

In addition to these measures, NATO would likely enhance its military presence and readiness in Europe, deploying additional troops, aircraft, and naval assets to the region. The alliance would conduct large-scale military exercises and training operations, aimed at demonstrating its resolve and capability to defend its member states against further aggression. These efforts would serve as a deterrent, signaling to Russia that any further use of the "Oreshnik" would be met with a swift and decisive response.

The international community would also play a crucial role in responding to the "Oreshnik" attack, with the United Nations and other international organizations emphasizing the need for adherence to international law and the principles of arms control. The international community would call for transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of advanced military technologies, urging Russia to engage in constructive discussions about the "Oreshnik" and its implications for global security.

In conclusion, a hypothetical "Oreshnik" attack on a European military base would present NATO with a complex and challenging dilemma, requiring a strategic and measured response to maintain regional stability and deter further aggression. The alliance would need to consider the strategic implications of the attack, the capabilities of the "Oreshnik," and the potential for further escalation. NATO's response would likely involve a multi-faceted approach, combining diplomatic, economic, and military measures to address the threat posed by the "Oreshnik" and deter further aggression. The international community would play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and adherence to international law, ensuring that the development and deployment of advanced military technologies are governed by principles of peace and stability. The future of military technology and global security will depend on the ability of nations to navigate this complex and challenging landscape with wisdom, restraint, and a commitment to cooperation and dialogue.

"Oreshnik" - Uncomfortable Questions and Answers

The unveiling of Russia's new "Oreshnik" weapon has sparked numerous uncomfortable questions and exposed a need for answers. Here are some of the key issues raised:

True Nature and Capabilities

What is the underlying technology behind the "Oreshnik"?

Does it utilize plasma charges or operates on novel physical principles?

How destructive is it, and what are its potential targets?

Strategic Implications

How will the "Oreshnik" impact the balance of power?

Could it trigger a new arms race or escalate conflicts?

What are the implications for global security and stability?

International Response

What are the concerns and reactions of the international community?

Are diplomatic efforts underway to understand and address the weapon's capabilities?

Are existing arms control frameworks sufficient to regulate its development and deployment?

Ethical and Humanitarian Implications

What are the ethical implications of such advanced military technologies?

How can the use of weapons with massive destructive power be regulated and controlled?

Is there a need for a comprehensive international treaty on advanced military technologies?

Role of Science and Technology

How does the pursuit of strategic advantage impact the development of military technologies?

Has the advancement of military technologies outpaced the ethical and legal frameworks to govern their use?

What are the responsibilities of scientists and engineers in the development of such weapons?

Answers and Implications

The answers to these uncomfortable questions will shape the future of military technology and global security. It is crucial that:

Transparency and accountability in military research and development are ensured.

The strategic implications of the "Oreshnik" are fully understood and addressed.

International efforts focus on regulating and controlling the development and deployment of advanced weapons.

Ethical and humanitarian concerns are prioritized in the decision-making process.

The role of science and technology in modern warfare is carefully considered and guided by responsible innovation.

The "Oreshnik" weapon highlights the need for a nuanced and thoughtful approach to military technology. Wisdom, restraint, and a commitment to peace and stability must guide nations in navigating this complex and challenging landscape.

The Chinese Silent Hunter laser weapon system for disabling and destroying drones has been discovered in Iran

The Chinese Silent Hunter laser weapon system for disabling and destroying drones

They were spotted on October 4, Friday, three

days after Iran launched a salvo of deadly missiles at Israel.

On Friday, October 4, Iran's supreme leader

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a rare public

sermon in which he said that Israel would not

prevail over Hamas or Hezbollah.

During the sermon, Khamenei justified the rocket attacks on Israel

when he addressed tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at

Imam Khomeini's Musalla Mosque in Tehran, where he sup-

ported Palestinian and Lebanese movements against Israel.

The place where the religious leader stood and led prayers was

protected by multiple layers of defensive de-

vices to ensure security, including a possible Chinese

laser anti-drone system, which was noticed by military

observers after photos and videos of the event went viral.

Many experts believe that the anti-drone system is the Silent Hunter system, presented by

China at the Zhuhai Air Show in 2022.

Silent Hunter is a laser anti-drone weapon developed in China. This is an improved version of the 30

kilowatt Low Altitude Laser Protection System (LASS), available in both stationary and mobile

versions.

The Silent Hunter uses an electric fiber-optic laser and, according to one Poly official, has

a maximum power of 30 to 100 kilowatts and a maximum range of four kilometers.

Although it is primarily designed to search, track and destroylow-flying drones, it is

powerful enough to penetrate five 2mm steel plates at a distance of 800

meters or one 5mm steel plate at a distance of 1000 meters.

The huge size of the Silent Hunter does not allow it to be usedon an aerial platform. 

Chinese microwave weapon against drones

 

A powerful Chinese microwave weapon against drones has

appeared.

China's efforts to combat drones using directed en-

ergyare gaining momentum thanks to the numerous power-

ful microwave systems unveiled at this year's Zhuhai

Air Show.

The first of them is a microwave system consisting of a large

planar grid mounted on the chassis of an 8×8 light armored

vehicle.

The system also has a small rotating radar, which would

make sense for detecting and tracking targets. The base ve-

hi

cle appears to be the same one used in the Toure 625E

self-propelled short-range air defense system or its variant

or derivative, another CSGC/Norinco propos-

al.