The UK deploys a low-cost anti-drone system in the Middle East

The United Kingdom has set a new one low-cost anti-drone missile system in the Middle East that went from testing to deployment in less than two months, the Ministry of Defense revealed on Sunday.

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), fitted to RAF Typhoon fighter jets, converts unguided missiles into precision laser-guided weapons. It is manufactured by BAE Systems and QinetiQ.

Air Commodore Donal McGurk, deputy director of operations for Air Group 11, welcomed “the speed of development and meticulous testing behind the deployment of these missile systems for use on our Typhoons”.

RAF pilots successfully tested the weapon against ground targets in March and completed air-to-air trials against drones in April. The missiles are now being used on operational flights flown by 9 Squadron Typhoon aircraft in the region.

Luke Pollard, a new defense minister, said the capability would allow the RAF to destroy significantly more drones “at a much lower cost” than existing missile systems. European nations are currently supported in conventional missiles, costing hundreds of thousands of beams, to shoot down drones costing a few tens of thousands of euros or less.

The announcement comes days after the British government unveiled new rules to speed up the delivery of military equipment.

Companies that deliver equipment on time and on budget will receive incentive payments of 2% to 10% of project costs. Firms that fail to meet targets may see reduced profits.

“We inherited a program where 96% of our major defense projects had delivery or cost issues. This is not acceptable,” Pollard said in a statement. “That’s why suppliers who deliver better results and take the right risk will be rewarded, but those who don’t will see less profit.”

“This is how we make sure we get more equipment to the frontline faster,” he added.

(vc)