Counter-drone defence with the Eurofighter: BAE Systems fires APKWS II from Typhoon for first time

It is a major step for counter-drone defence in Europe: BAE Systems has carried out the first test firings of APKWS II, a low-cost precision weapon, from a Eurofighter Typhoon, successfully trialling the defeat of unmanned aircraft systems.

The APKWS laser guidance system is manufactured by BAE Systems in the USA. The versatile, combat-proven solution was designed to counter a wide range of threats without driving up engagement costs. Armed forces worldwide already use it.

The test started from the company's flight test centre in Warton, Lancashire. A Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft of the Royal Air Force (RAF) successfully engaged a ground-based target on a British military training range.

According to BAE Systems, the RAF-supported activity is to provide valuable insights into how low-cost precision weapons could be integrated into the aircraft – above all weapons against drones, where affordable interception options are essential. The test is also part of a series of planned enhancements to increase the Typhoon's combat power in current and future air operations.

BAE Systems video about the APKWS trial from Typhoon. We get a glimpse of the actual firing and an image of the rocket tearing through a floating target. pic.twitter.com/BwKPMzlJ9z— Gabriele Molinelli (@Gabriel64869839) April 9, 2026

As the UK's sovereign provider of combat air capability, we play a crucial role in supporting the British armed forces – working closely with the Ministry of Defence, we develop technologies that strengthen our national defence capabilities.— Richard Hamilton, Managing Director Air Operations in BAE Systems' Air sector

This test of the APKWS laser guidance kit on Typhoon demonstrates a ground-breaking capability and a cost-effective solution that would further enhance Typhoon's already impressive range of weapon capabilities— Richard Hamilton

How laser guidance works

The APKWS II guided rocket is steered by a laser designation set by a targeting pod – such as the Litening pod. Once the pilot selects the air or ground target, the pod's stabilised optics track it automatically. The target is designated by illuminating it with a coded laser beam. Once the rocket is launched, its four seekers pick up this designation and home in on it until impact.

Compared with conventional air-to-air missiles, the rocket is considerably less manoeuvrable and has a shorter range. This is offset by several advantages: it costs roughly a factor of 1/20 less than modern air-to-air missiles, can be produced in large numbers much faster, and combat aircraft such as the Eurofighter can carry and fire 14, 28 or even up to 42 APKWS II in pods.

Counter-drone defence against swarm attacks

Fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms with this equipment become key systems when swarm attacks with long-range strike weapons such as the Shahed/Geran-2 and comparable unmanned, low-cost platforms have to be repelled.

The Eurofighter Typhoon offers a broad range of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons – one reason it is among the most widely used combat aircraft of air forces across Europe and the Middle East. Its arsenal includes Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles as well as the Storm Shadow and Brimstone air-to-ground weapons for deep strike and precision attacks.