U.S. Fast-Tracks Air-to-Air APKWS Missile to Counter Drone Swarms

The U.S. military is fast-tracking an air-to-air variant of the AGR-20F FALCO missile under JUON CC-0588 to counter swarms of one-way attack drones in the Middle East. 

Air Force documents highlight that Group 3 UAS, particularly those operated by Iran and its proxies, pose a severe threat to U.S. forces, creating a “critical vulnerability” without rapid countermeasures.

The new missile features a long-wave infrared seeker and dual safe proximity-fused warhead, letting pilots switch between laser and infrared targeting.

Its smaller size allows fighters to carry multiple missiles against large drone swarms. 

Slated for the F-16 and MH-60 within 24 months of August 2024, BAE Systems will produce 300 prototypes for testing and operational evaluation, leveraging prior APKWS counter-UAS experience to deliver low-cost, high-volume solutions against emerging drone threats.