BAE Systems advances Eurofighter Typhoon's APKWS rocket capability to counter drones

BAE Systems is finalizing an upgrade to the Eurofighter Typhoon that significantly expands its defensive arsenal against drone threats. The UK defense company is testing modifications allowing the RAF’s Typhoons to operate two seven-round launchers simultaneously for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guided rockets. This development builds on recent introduction of the APKWS on the platform, aiming to multiply the jet’s ability to engage multiple small and fast airborne targets effectively.

The APKWS is a laser-guided rocket that combines the precision of guided missiles with the cost-efficiency and compactness of unguided rockets. Integrating two seven-round pods onto the Typhoon effectively doubles its salvo size from seven to fourteen rockets, providing a much higher volume of fire against groups of drones or other close-range aerial threats. This capability is critical for modern air defense as adversaries increasingly rely on swarms or multiple small unmanned aerial systems.

The Royal Air Force has been progressively incorporating APKWS rockets on its Eurofighter fleet to improve survivability and interdiction capabilities within congested or contested airspace. The addition of a second launcher enhances mission flexibility, enabling pilots to engage multiple targets or launch successive attacks without reloading. BAE’s testing ensures compatibility with the Typhoon’s avionics, targeting systems, and weapon release protocols to maintain seamless operational performance.

Eurofighter operators beyond the UK have expressed interest in this enhanced capability as the counter-drone threat escalates worldwide. The APKWS upgrade aligns with broader trends in military aviation focusing on multi-layered defenses combining kinetic and electronic measures to deter or destroy unmanned threats. The RAF’s progress with APKWS integration signals increasing emphasis on cost-effective and scalable solutions to maintain air superiority in evolving threat environments.

This advancement represents a significant step in tailored weapon enhancements for the Typhoon platform, demonstrating adaptability to new battlefield challenges. With final tests underway, the integration of dual APKWS launchers could soon become standard for RAF Eurofighters, offering vital operational benefits. The wider adoption by other Eurofighter users could foster interoperability and collective defense capabilities against emerging drone attacks.