The US State Department has approved a $364-million foreign military sale of 5,031 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II air-to-air guidance kits to Italy.
The US State Department has approved a $364-million foreign military sale of 5,031 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II) air-to-air guidance kits to Italy.
The package covers the systems’ WGU 59B/B variant sourced from defense giant BAE Systems.
It also includes LAU-131 A/A launchers, Mk-152 high-explosive warheads, MK66 rocket motors, proximity fuzes, practice warheads, associated technical documentation, as well as engineering and logistical assistance.
The department noted that Rome’s potential acquisition requires no additional American personnel deployments to the NATO country and will not affect the regional military balance or impact readiness of the US Armed Forces.
"The proposed sale will improve Italy’s capability to meet current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense and serving as a deterrent to regional threats," the agency said.
The announcement follows Washington’s May approval of APKWS transfers to Israel, Qatar, and the UAE. In February, BAE Systems announced it has supplied the 100,000th system for the US and program partners.
Possibly for Italian Typhoons
The APKWS-II converts standard 70mm unguided rockets into laser-guided precision munitions using optical seekers mounted on folding control surfaces.
The modification gives aircrews a low-cost interceptor to neutralize unmanned aerial systems, replacing traditional and expensive air-to-air missiles.
While Italian authorities have not finalized a contract, sources project that the guidance sections will equip the Italian Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft.
Earlier this year, the UK Royal Air Force integrated the APKWS-II into its Typhoon jets to expand the fleet’s counter-drone capability.
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), which adds a laser guidance system to unguided rockets. Image: US Marine Corps/Lance Cpl. Cody J. Ohira