Iran War Impact: Saudi Arabia to Buy Advanced Precision Kill Weapon II for Anti-Drone Applications

The U.S. on Wednesday approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems and related equipment costing $1.96 billion.

The principal contractor will be BAE Systems, located in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Saudi Arabia has requested to buy up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS-II) air-to-air guidance sections; and a further 10,000 APKWS-II air-to-ground guidance sections. The following defense equipment items will also be included: LAU-131 A/A launchers; Mk-152 high explosive warheads; MK66 rocket motors; proximity fuzes; WTU-1/B practice warheads and inert MK66 rocket motors.

The proposed sale will  augment Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air, and air-to-ground self-defense capability, a Pentagon release said.

APKWS II applications

Inexpensive air-to-air weapon: APKWS II is a low-cost interceptor to shoot down hostile drones and missiles. It offers superior "magazine depth," allowing fighters to carry multiple rocket pods instead of a few expensive air-to-air missiles.

Air-to-Ground Precision Strike: The system bridges the gap between unguided rockets and costly missiles like the Hellfire. It is deployed against light armored vehicles, soft targets, and personnel in both conventional and urban asymmetric warfare environments.