Image source: topwar.ru
After the massive appearance of drones in the Polish sky, European countries began to think about how to organize an effective response to this threat in a short time. Special hopes are pinned on British research aimed at developing a special version of the APKWS II missile adapted to the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter.
It is expected that equipping combat aircraft with this ammunition, along with the new AFAR radar, will significantly increase the effectiveness of the fight against drones.
Currently, fighter jets designed to counter UAVs are arriving in Poland from a number of EU countries.
- it is said in the European press.
BAE Systems, the manufacturer of APKWS missiles and a shareholder of the Eurofighter consortium, is conducting a feasibility study on the integration of APKWS II missiles with the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter.
The APKWS is a combat kit consisting of an inexpensive, unguided 70mm aircraft rocket (originally designed to equip helicopters) and two laser guidance and control modules that turn this missile into a precision weapon to defeat lightly armored land and sea targets at ranges up to 10 km.
Image source: topwar.ru
APKWS II
There is a modification of the APKWS, designated FALCO, which was developed for the United States as an air-to-air weapon. This missile has already been adapted for American 4th generation fighters, including the F-16 and F-15. It is placed in containers of 7 missiles each. The cost of one FALCO is estimated at $ 20-25 thousand (the rocket costs about $ 5 thousand, the "nozzle" is $ 15-20 thousand). This means that it is possible to destroy Shahed-type drones for less than their cost (that is, $50-70 thousand).
- there is hope in the European press.
