BAE Systems gets $175m contract for APKWS laser-guided rocket production

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $175 million contract to deliver over 7,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets.

This latest contract modification was made under the Navy’s 2016 $600 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, which is the contracting vehicle to supply APKWS to the US military and allied nations.

This award extends that contract’s initial unit production cap and total value to meet the growing demand. BAE Systems says it expects additional orders to bring the total number of units for this production lot to 17,500.

“Global demand for our precision strike capabilities is being driven by a need for munitions that can strike soft targets with accuracy surrounded by friendly forces, civilians, and valuable assets,” said Marc Casseres, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “With APKWS, our customers get a high-quality, reliable, easy-to-use product that is designed to hit intended targets with extreme accuracy.”

The APKWS technology transforms standard 2.75-inch (70-millemeter) rockets into precision munitions by simply installing the guidance kit between the warhead and engine of an unguided rocket. The APKWS rocket’s extreme accuracy is ideal for minimizing collateral damage to assets in close proximity to targets, thereby reducing risk for troops in the field while providing close air support.

APKWS rockets are the only guided 2.75-inch rockets qualified both by the U.S. Department of Defense, and for use on multiple military rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.