The Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet is on track to potentially incorporate a low-cost weapon aimed at mitigating drone threats, with BAE Systems currently conducting feasibility studies. During the DSEI defense exhibit in London, BAE’s Typhoon Strategy Lead, Paul Smith, revealed that the team is evaluating the integration of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II laser-guided rockets onto the jet as a counter-drone solution.
Smith characterized APKWS as a “low-cost kinetic effector,” suggesting that it could serve as a valuable complement to the Typhoon’s existing advanced air-to-air missile capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader analysis of various weapons options intended to enhance the aircraft’s operational effectiveness against modern aerial threats.
In tandem with these developments, BAE is also engaging with Typhoon operators to assess integration risks and establish priorities for implementing these upgrades. One notable improvement in progress is the ECRS Mk2 radar upgrade, which will bolster the Typhoon’s electronic warfare and attack capabilities.
This progress emerges amid escalating tensions within NATO, particularly following Poland’s recent downing of suspected Russian drones that had breached its airspace. It underscores a growing recognition of the need for cost-effective countermeasures against low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often deployed in swarms to circumvent traditional air defense systems.
The trend towards equipping manned aircraft with affordable solutions is gaining traction, as illustrated by the U.S. Air Force’s recent decision to arm its F-15E Strike Eagle fighters with APKWS II rockets, following their successful integration onto F-16 Fighting Falcons set for deployment in 2024. The APKWS II, which can be acquired for as little as $20,000 per unit, offers a strikingly economic alternative to conventional missiles that typically cost several hundred thousand dollars. Its efficacy has been validated in combat situations, particularly in the Middle East.
Designed by a consortium that includes nations such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, the Eurofighter Typhoon is classified as a 4.5-generation air superiority fighter boasting multi-role capabilities that encompass strike and reconnaissance missions. It can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2, operate at a service ceiling above 50,000 feet (15,240 meters), and has a combat radius ranging from approximately 1,800 to 2,900 kilometers (1,118 to 1,802 miles), contingent on its configuration.
The Typhoon is designed to carry a wide array of munitions, including both European and U.S. weapons systems. Notable armaments include the Meteor and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, along with Stormshadow and GBU-48 air-to-ground munitions. The aircraft has played a pivotal role in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing missions and was involved in intercepting a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M surveillance aircraft earlier this year, showcasing its operational capabilities and strategic significance within the alliance.
