US Approves Sale of APKWS II Guided Rocket Systems to Saudi Arabia for More Precise Tactical Engagements
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On March 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of State officially approved a Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia, allowing the kingdom to acquire 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) guidance kits. The transaction, valued at $100 million (approximately 375 million Saudi riyals), also includes spare parts, diagnostic and support equipment, as well as training and logistical assistance provided by the United States.
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An F-16 Fighting Falcon during a test of the APKWS SBVU rocket near Eglin Air Force Base on Nov 3, 2020 (Picture source: US DoD)
This sale is intended to enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to engage ground targets with greater precision while minimizing collateral damage. The APKWS II system converts unguided 70mm (2.75-inch) rockets into precision-guided munitions, improving the effectiveness of strikes conducted by helicopters and light combat aircraft. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), this transaction aligns with U.S. strategic objectives to strengthen the capabilities of allied nations, particularly in the Gulf region. The United States considers Saudi Arabia a key player in regional political and economic stability, justifying continued arms deliveries to its military forces.
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II is a laser-guidance solution developed by BAE Systems, designed to upgrade 70mm Hydra rockets into guided munitions at a lower cost. It provides a cost-effective alternative to heavier missile systems, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire, while maintaining high accuracy in close combat and urban operations. The system operates by integrating a guidance section between the 10-pound high-explosive warhead and the Mk66 Mod 4 rocket motor, converting conventional rockets into precision-strike weapons. Production began in 2011, and the APKWS II was declared operational in 2012 on AH-1W Super Cobra and UH-1Y Venom helicopters. The system was later integrated onto MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters in 2014, followed by AV-8B Harrier II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in 2016.
The APKWS II system has notable technical specifications, measuring 73.77 inches in length in its full configuration and weighing 32.6 pounds. With a maximum speed of 1,000 meters per second, it offers extended range capabilities, allowing the engagement of targets up to six kilometers from the launch point. It is particularly suited for targeting lightly armored vehicles, enemy infrastructure, and entrenched combatants, especially in scenarios where collateral damage must be minimized. The system is compatible with multiple warheads, including the M151 and Mk 152, and can be integrated across a wide range of aerial and ground platforms.
If the agreement is finalized, BAE Systems will be responsible for delivering and integrating the APKWS II kits into Saudi Arabia’s armed forces through its U.S. subsidiary. As part of the agreement, U.S. personnel will provide training and technical support to ensure the system’s effective use. Saudi Arabia is expected to deploy these guidance kits primarily on Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters, which are already in service. The potential integration of APKWS II on fixed-wing aircraft for counter-drone operations is also being considered, following U.S. operational practices.
The APKWS II system offers a flexible and cost-effective solution compared to other precision-guided missile systems. Its lower cost and multi-platform capability make it a valuable option for short- and medium-range engagements. Unlike heavier missile systems such as the Hellfire, which can cause significant collateral damage, the APKWS II system allows precise engagement of targets with a reduced explosive charge, while maintaining operational effectiveness. Additionally, its modular design and compatibility with various launchers and 2.75-inch rocket configurations ensure adaptability across different military needs.
This sale follows previous U.S. military transactions with Saudi Arabia. In October 2024, the U.S. Department of State approved a $440 million arms deal with the kingdom, which included 507 wireless-guided, radio frequency (RF) missiles, specifically the 2A and 2B models, designed for tube-launched, optically-tracked operations. The new APKWS II agreement further strengthens military cooperation between the two nations while maintaining regional strategic stability.
Saudi Arabia is expected to integrate these new systems into its military forces without difficulty, given their compatibility with existing platforms. The addition of APKWS II to Saudi Arabia’s arsenal will provide enhanced precision-strike capabilities, improving the kingdom’s response to evolving threats. The U.S. Department of State has also emphasized that this sale will not alter the military balance in the region. However, the deal requires the annual deployment of two U.S. government representatives and two contractors for technical oversight and program management.
This transaction will not negatively impact U.S. defense readiness. However, the final value of the sale may vary depending on Saudi Arabia’s specific requirements, budget authorizations, and finalized contracts. Saudi Arabia maintains a large fleet of aircraft and ground vehicles compatible with APKWS II, which enables optimized use for precision strikes, counter-drone missions, and tactical support operations.
The integration of APKWS II into Saudi forces is also expected to diversify its launch platforms. While its primary use is currently on Apache and Seahawk helicopters, potential future deployment on F-15SA fighter jets operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force or ground vehicles equipped with adapted rocket launchers is a possibility. Additionally, recent tests have demonstrated the effectiveness of these guided rockets against drones and light aerial targets, suggesting expanded naval applications within Saudi Arabia’s maritime forces.
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On March 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of State officially approved a Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia, allowing the kingdom to acquire 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) guidance kits. The transaction, valued at $100 million (approximately 375 million Saudi riyals), also includes spare parts, diagnostic and support equipment, as well as training and logistical assistance provided by the United States.
An F-16 Fighting Falcon during a test of the APKWS SBVU rocket near Eglin Air Force Base on Nov 3, 2020 (Picture source: US DoD)
This sale is intended to enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to engage ground targets with greater precision while minimizing collateral damage. The APKWS II system converts unguided 70mm (2.75-inch) rockets into precision-guided munitions, improving the effectiveness of strikes conducted by helicopters and light combat aircraft. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), this transaction aligns with U.S. strategic objectives to strengthen the capabilities of allied nations, particularly in the Gulf region. The United States considers Saudi Arabia a key player in regional political and economic stability, justifying continued arms deliveries to its military forces.
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II is a laser-guidance solution developed by BAE Systems, designed to upgrade 70mm Hydra rockets into guided munitions at a lower cost. It provides a cost-effective alternative to heavier missile systems, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire, while maintaining high accuracy in close combat and urban operations. The system operates by integrating a guidance section between the 10-pound high-explosive warhead and the Mk66 Mod 4 rocket motor, converting conventional rockets into precision-strike weapons. Production began in 2011, and the APKWS II was declared operational in 2012 on AH-1W Super Cobra and UH-1Y Venom helicopters. The system was later integrated onto MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters in 2014, followed by AV-8B Harrier II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in 2016.
The APKWS II system has notable technical specifications, measuring 73.77 inches in length in its full configuration and weighing 32.6 pounds. With a maximum speed of 1,000 meters per second, it offers extended range capabilities, allowing the engagement of targets up to six kilometers from the launch point. It is particularly suited for targeting lightly armored vehicles, enemy infrastructure, and entrenched combatants, especially in scenarios where collateral damage must be minimized. The system is compatible with multiple warheads, including the M151 and Mk 152, and can be integrated across a wide range of aerial and ground platforms.
If the agreement is finalized, BAE Systems will be responsible for delivering and integrating the APKWS II kits into Saudi Arabia’s armed forces through its U.S. subsidiary. As part of the agreement, U.S. personnel will provide training and technical support to ensure the system’s effective use. Saudi Arabia is expected to deploy these guidance kits primarily on Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters, which are already in service. The potential integration of APKWS II on fixed-wing aircraft for counter-drone operations is also being considered, following U.S. operational practices.
The APKWS II system offers a flexible and cost-effective solution compared to other precision-guided missile systems. Its lower cost and multi-platform capability make it a valuable option for short- and medium-range engagements. Unlike heavier missile systems such as the Hellfire, which can cause significant collateral damage, the APKWS II system allows precise engagement of targets with a reduced explosive charge, while maintaining operational effectiveness. Additionally, its modular design and compatibility with various launchers and 2.75-inch rocket configurations ensure adaptability across different military needs.
This sale follows previous U.S. military transactions with Saudi Arabia. In October 2024, the U.S. Department of State approved a $440 million arms deal with the kingdom, which included 507 wireless-guided, radio frequency (RF) missiles, specifically the 2A and 2B models, designed for tube-launched, optically-tracked operations. The new APKWS II agreement further strengthens military cooperation between the two nations while maintaining regional strategic stability.
Saudi Arabia is expected to integrate these new systems into its military forces without difficulty, given their compatibility with existing platforms. The addition of APKWS II to Saudi Arabia’s arsenal will provide enhanced precision-strike capabilities, improving the kingdom’s response to evolving threats. The U.S. Department of State has also emphasized that this sale will not alter the military balance in the region. However, the deal requires the annual deployment of two U.S. government representatives and two contractors for technical oversight and program management.
This transaction will not negatively impact U.S. defense readiness. However, the final value of the sale may vary depending on Saudi Arabia’s specific requirements, budget authorizations, and finalized contracts. Saudi Arabia maintains a large fleet of aircraft and ground vehicles compatible with APKWS II, which enables optimized use for precision strikes, counter-drone missions, and tactical support operations.
The integration of APKWS II into Saudi forces is also expected to diversify its launch platforms. While its primary use is currently on Apache and Seahawk helicopters, potential future deployment on F-15SA fighter jets operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force or ground vehicles equipped with adapted rocket launchers is a possibility. Additionally, recent tests have demonstrated the effectiveness of these guided rockets against drones and light aerial targets, suggesting expanded naval applications within Saudi Arabia’s maritime forces.
