UK Deploys APKWS on RAF Eurofighter Typhoons

An RAF Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, seen here firing the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). Air-to-air live firing of the APKWS system, was carried out during trials in the UK in April 2026 by 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron | Image: QinetiQ

The UK Ministry of Defence has deployed a new low-cost anti-drone missile system on Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets operating in the Middle East.

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) has been integrated onto RAF Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to counter drone threats during regional operations. The Ministry of Defence said the system was moved from testing to operational deployment in less than two months through work involving the ministry, BAE Systems and QinetiQ.

According to the Ministry of Defence, a ground-based test strike took place in March, followed by air-to-air firing trials in April conducted by RAF Typhoon pilots from 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron. The system has since been used operationally by 9 Squadron RAF Typhoons flying missions in the Middle East.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said, “This has been a superb effort working with industry to test and deploy this system in a matter of months, which will help the RAF shoot down many more drones at a much lower cost.”

The APKWS uses laser guidance to convert unguided rockets into precision weapons designed to engage drones and other targets at lower cost than conventional missiles.

Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director BAE Systems Air sector, said, “This capability demonstrates Typhoon’s exceptional versatility and underlines its continued role as the backbone of combat air across Europe and the Middle East.”

Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer, QinetiQ, said, “From engineering expertise to live trials, our teams are providing the fundamental support needed by our armed forces, to deliver the urgent capabilities that ensure the UK and its allies remain safe and warfighting ready.”

Air Commodore Donal McGurk, Air 11 Group Deputy Director Operations, said, “We welcome the speed of development and meticulous testing behind the deployment of these missile systems for use on our Typhoons. They are a valuable addition to the air defence package we are already employing with agility across the Middle East.”