Saudi Arabia to Acquire APKWS Precision-Guided Rockets

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $100 million sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) II to Saudi Arabia, with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notifying Congress of the decision.

Saudi Arabia has requested 2,000 APKWS units along with spare parts, missile software, training, and logistical support. The system, manufactured by BAE Systems, converts 2.75-inch (70mm) Hydra rockets into laser-guided munitions, capable of hitting both airborne and surface targets.

APKWS converts regular Hydra 70 rockets into precision-guided weapons by adding a guidance module in the middle of the rocket. This module has small fins with sensors that detect laser signals from a designated target. Once launched, the rocket adjusts its direction using these fins, steering itself toward the target. This upgrade makes old rockets more accurate without changing their warhead or motor.

The APKWS II has a range of up to 5 km—extendable to 12-15 km from fixed-wing aircraft—and compatibility with platforms such as AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, and F/A-18 Hornet. Priced at approximately $22,000 per unit, it offers a cost-effective option for engaging small armed drones, including those used by the Houthis in the Red Sea.

The approval comes as the U.S. continues strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, where conflict has persisted since 2014. Saudi Arabia has led a coalition backing Yemen’s government against the Iran-aligned Houthis since 2015.