Image source: topwar.ru
A pair of F-16 fighter jets of the US Air Force with air-to-air ammunition. The Viper has a pair of seven-shot 70mm rocket launchers in the background under the right wing console.
Thanks to the use of 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) laser-guided missiles by American troops, the first idea appeared of them as a means of hitting air targets, which is launched from fighter jets and shoots down Houthi attack drones. The corresponding video is shown online.
According to the command, the APKWS II are used in a special air-to-air configuration to combat UAVs, although they were designed to strike ground targets. Their use in the new role makes it possible not to waste classic expensive anti-aircraft missiles to combat such a cheap means as drones.
Image source: topwar.ru
According to the military, the video shows two separate cases of the use of APKWS II against reconnaissance drones.:
The basic configuration of the APKWS II missile consists of three main parts: a laser guidance kit, a warhead (with various modifications), and a rocket engine. In December 2023, the US Navy announced that it was ready to begin supplying new warheads with a contactless fuse for APKWS II missiles, specially optimized to combat UAVs.
The cost of the APKWS II guidance kit ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. The total price of the missile is several thousand dollars more and depends on the specific type of warhead and engine. At the same time, traditional AIM-9 or AIM-120 missiles cost about $450 thousand and $1 million, respectively. Against this background, APKWS are much cheaper air-to-air ammunition.
