AviationNews – The U.S. Department of War has awarded BAE Systems a $145 million contract to develop and manufacture advanced weapon systems specifically designed to neutralize unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This strategic move addresses the urgent need to counter evolving drone threats that currently challenge the security of U.S. and allied military operations globally.
The agreement, announced on February 11, 2026, focuses on enhancing the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) to meet modern combat requirements. The initiative is a response to a Joint Urgent Operational Need identified by combatant commanders, seeking a cost-effective solution to defeat “Group 3” drones—which weigh up to 600 kg. While BAE Systems has long produced laser-guidance kits in Hudson, New Hampshire, this specific contract fast-tracks a new “Dual Mode” capability to ensure rapid fielding within the next 24 months.
Technically, the development introduces a sophisticated Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) seeker and a dual-safe proximity fuze to the existing rocket architecture. This allows the munition to “hand off” from initial laser guidance to autonomous infrared tracking during the final flight phase. This Dual Mode operation significantly reduces the time a pilot must maintain a laser lock on a target, allowing aircraft like the F-16 or A-10 to engage multiple swarming threats in a much shorter window while minimizing exposure to enemy fire.
“The APKWS guidance kit provides advanced capabilities to our armed forces and foreign allies, and high-volume production ensures rapid and efficient delivery to the warfighter,” stated Neeta Jayaraman, a director at BAE Systems, emphasizing the system’s role in maintaining an economic and tactical advantage.
This investment signals a broader shift in U.S. defense strategy toward “attritable” and low-cost precision munitions to combat the proliferation of inexpensive drone technology. As testing and integration progress, these systems are expected to become a standard component of integrated air defense, providing a sustainable shield against massive drone deployments in future conflicts.
The partnership between the Pentagon and BAE Systems underscores a commitment to staying ahead of the rapid innovation seen in uncrewed warfare. By upgrading existing, proven hardware with next-generation sensors, the military can deploy high-tech defenses at a fraction of the cost of traditional missiles. This evolution ensures that allied forces remain prepared for the complex, multi-domain threats of the 2020s.