Italy Considers Acquiring American Technology to Convert Basic Missiles into Cost-Effective Drone Killers
Summary
The Italian Air Force is considering purchasing BAE Systems' Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II from the United States, a technology that converts inexpensive unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons capable of intercepting drones. The U.S. Department of State has already approved a Foreign Military Sale of 5,031 APKWS II guidance kits to Italy, with the total potential deal valued at $364 million, including launchers, warheads, rocket motors, and technical support. The system works by inserting a guidance module between a rocket's warhead and motor, deploying four laser-seeking wings to create a guided missile at a fraction of the cost of conventional air-to-air missiles like the AMRAAM. Italy's Eurofighter jets are the likely platform for the system, as they are already actively engaged in NATO air policing missions, recently demonstrated by an Italian Eurofighter shooting down an unidentified drone over Latvian airspace. The Royal Air Force has already successfully deployed APKWS on its own Eurofighters, completing testing and deployment in just two months, serving as a strong proof of concept for Italy's consideration.
Key Takeaways
- 1. APKWS II converts unguided rockets costing under $117,000 into precision guided weapons, offering a far cheaper alternative to missiles like the AMRAAM for drone interception
- 2. The U.S. State Department has approved the Foreign Military Sale, but Italy has not yet signed a contract and is still evaluating the technology
- 3. Italy's Eurofighter fleet is the intended platform, already actively deployed in NATO air policing missions targeting drone incursions
- 4. The RAF's rapid two-month acquisition and deployment of APKWS on Eurofighters provides a strong operational precedent for Italy
- 5. The potential deal totals $364 million, covering guidance systems, launchers, warheads, rocket motors, and technical support