Typhoon Rapidly Gains Anti-drone Capability

Royal Air Force Typhoons operating in the Middle East are now wielding a new weapon that is primarily aimed at intercepting drones. The BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)—a laser-guided adaptation of the widely used Hydra 70mm unguided rocket that is typically employed against vehicles and other surface targets—has been adapted to an air-to-air role under an Urgent Operational Requirement.

BAE Systems and the Royal Air Force’s No. 41 Test & Evaluation Squadron began work on the project last September, but the urgency of the need for a counter-uncrewed air system (C-UAS) capability dramatically accelerated at the start of the war with Iran at the end of February. By the third day of the conflict in early March, a test firing had been undertaken, an air-to-surface shot that successfully hit a barge-mounted target. The aim of this trial was primarily to prove that an APKWS could be fired safely from a Typhoon. By May, the weapon was being employed in operation with No. IX Squadron in the Middle East.

The very short time between initial test and operational fielding was the result of a period of intense development work—often through the night—by BAE and the RAF engineers involved. A key aspect was devising how the pilot would operate the missile, requiring changes to the hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls to minimize workload. Even so, the challenge to the pilot is high. At short ranges, the maneuvering aspect of the engagement is highly dynamic, while the pilot has to find and lock the target with the radar, then cue the targeting pod, achieve a tracking laser designation, and fire the weapon. Only HOTAS could realistically allow this all to happen.

APKWS is typically fired from a seven-round pod, of which two are normally carried (along with larger air-to-air missiles). At the time of the first test, there was no air-to-air capability, and only one round could be fired. In April, the first air-to-air firing was successfully undertaken against a target drone, and by May, the full 14-round air-to-air capability had been achieved and fielded in the Gulf region.

Classified as an “austere” integration, the addition of the APKWS to the Typhoon’s arsenal has been of considerable interest to other operators. Work is ongoing on a full integration that involves the other Eurofighter partner nations and contractors.

The addition of APKWS illustrates the continuing relevance of the Typhoon and the importance of ongoing development. The Phase 4 Enhancement program is progressing, including improved defensive aids, while the Eurofighter consortium is working on the major Long-Term Enhancement (LTE), which is essentially a mid-life update.

LTE will bring dramatic increases in computing power and a digital cockpit with a wide-area display. The LTE will ensure that the Typhoon can adapt to emerging technologies such as collaborative combat aircraft, and make it a capable partner to new fighters currently in development for fielding in the 2030s and beyond.