US approves APKWS II for Italy for Eurofighter C-UAS role
The APKWS was showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 alongside other weapon systems for the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft. Italy is to now join the UK in fielding the combination for the C-UAS role. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
The US Department of State has approved the sale to Italy of BAE Systems Inc. Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II laser-guided rockets. These will equip its Eurofighter Typhoon (designated F-2000 in national service) combat aircraft for the counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) role.
Announced on 21 August, the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) approval covers 5,031 APKWS II WGU 59B/B air-to-air guidance sections, related equipment and support, for an estimated USD364 million.
“The proposed sale will improve Italy's capability to meet current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defence and serving as a deterrent to regional threats. This enhanced capability will protect Italy and local allied land forces and will significantly improve Italy's contribution to NATO integrated air missile defence,” the US Department of State said.
News of the approval came weeks after Janes reported BAE Systems receiving strong interest from operators of the Eurofighter in its APKWS for the C-UAS role. Speaking at the company's Warton facility in June 2026, Richard Hamilton, Managing Director, Air Operations, said that following the rapid integration of the APKWS for the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) earlier in 2026, the other nine customers of the Eurofighter had indicated their intent in doing the same.
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