US approves $1B APKWS rocket sales to Israel, Qatar, and UAE for drone defense
The US State Department has approved the sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets to Israel, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These systems, designed to counter Iranian-made drones, will be supplied under contracts worth over $1 billion in total. BAE Systems will serve as the main contractor for the deals.
The APKWS has already proven its worth in Ukraine, where it offers a cost-effective way to intercept Shahed-type drones. The proposed sales include large quantities of APKWS II rounds. Israel and Qatar each requested 10,000 units, with both deals valued at around $992.4 million. Meanwhile, the UAE has ordered 1,500 guidance kits configured for air-to-air use, in a separate agreement estimated at $147.6 million.
Each APKWS rocket costs between $30,000 and $31,000, making it far cheaper than conventional air-to-air missiles. This affordability has led to its widespread use in Ukraine, where it has been deployed against drone threats. Ukrainian F-16 fighters now carry APKWS II, allowing them to fire more interceptors than with standard missile loadouts.
The sales packages also include support equipment and services. Buyers will receive testing gear, spare parts, training, and logistics support as part of the agreements. The system’s effectiveness against low-cost drones has made it a preferred choice for multiple nations facing similar threats. The approval of these sales will provide Israel, Qatar, and the UAE with an affordable drone-defence solution. With each rocket costing a fraction of traditional missiles, the APKWS system allows for greater interception capacity. The deals also reinforce BAE Systems’ role as a key supplier in the region’s air defence capabilities.
