BAE Systems Conducts First Precision Airstrike from Multirotor Drone Using APKWS

BAE Systems has, for the first time, launched a precision-guided munition from a multi-rotor Uncrewed Air System (UAS), striking both air and ground targets during trials at the U.S. Army’s Dugway Proving Ground in Utah.

The test marks the first air-to-air engagement using the company’s APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) laser-guidance kit launched from a drone. The platform used was the TRV-150, a modified version of the Malloy T-150 drone, adapted by SURVICE Engineering to meet U.S. Marine Corps logistics needs. The TRV-150 was originally designed to be a logistics drone.

The APKWS kit, which has been widely deployed on combat aircraft such as the F-16, F/A-18, and AH-64 Apache, converts unguided rockets into low-cost, precision-guided munitions. Its integration onto a drone for both air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes is a new development, expanding tactical options for frontline forces.

BAE Systems said the trial exceeded expectations, with all targets engaged and no misses recorded.

The trial, supported by engineers from BAE Systems UK, demonstrated the potential of combining uncrewed air vehicles with precision strike capabilities to counter drone threats and conventional targets alike.

The cross-Atlantic collaboration between BAE Systems FalconWorks, BAE Systems, Inc., and SURVICE Engineering will continue refining the platform. The next phase of development will focus on adding more autonomous technologies and preparing the system for battlefield deployment.